BULL RUN TO BULL RUN; 



OR, 



FOUR YEARS ;. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, 



CONTAINING A DETAILED ACCOUNT 
OF THE CAREER AND ADVENTURES OF 



The Baylor Light Horse, 

Company B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, C. S. A., 

WITH 

LEAVES FROM MY SCRAP-BOOK. 



By GEORGE B^YIX>R. 



Rise, too, ye shapes and shadows of the past- 
Rise from your long-forgotten graves at last ; 
Let us behold your faces, let us hear 
The words you uttered in those days of fear. 
Revisit your familiar haunts again— 
The scenes of triumph, and the scenes of pain— 
And leave the foot-prints of your bleeding feet 
Once more upon the pavements of the street. 

—Loiii, 



RICHMOND : 

.-SOX Pl-BLISHtNU C'OMPAJSl 
1800. 





Two Cot-tfs Kta'..t<i i 
JUL 26 1900 ! 

stC(.'Ni) copy, 

Orliv.ldd to 

OROtfl DIVISION, 

JUL 27 1900 ; 



COPYRIGHTED, 
GEORGE BAYLOR. 

1900. 



66306 



PREFACE. 



Having long and earnestly desired that some one more competent 
would write the bnlliant career of the Baylor Light Horse during the 
Civil war, but finding the work still unperformed, I have been induced 
in my humble way to undertake the task, trusting my effort may serve 
to revive, if not perpetuate, the story of its heroism and devotion 
to the " Lost Cause." In doing so, I have endeavored to portray Us 
deeds of daring and adventure with truth, justice, and impartiality 
to friend and foe. The Records of the Civil War, as well as con- 
temporaneous writings and the history of the times, have been freely 
used to present fairly the adversary's account and version of the 
events narrated. 

With a just pride in the leadership of so gallant a band of soldiers, 
with high appreciation of the cheerful and ready manner .in which 
so many dangers were shared, and with a grateful sense of the uniform 
kindness and courtesy extended me at all times, this work, imperfect 
as I know it to be, is humbly commended to the favorable reception 
of my comrades and friends. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Chapter I. — Outbreak of War— Joined Ashby's Company — Ride to 
Harper's Ferry — Changed from Cavalry to Infantry and En- 
listed in the Botts Greys — Camp Lee — Ordinance of Seces- 
sion — Skirmish on July 2d — Confronted Patterson at Darkes- 
ville — Retired to Winchester — March to Manassas — Battle of 
Manassas 15 

Chapter II. — Camp Harman — Death of Lawrence — Lee Berry- 
Jackson's Address— Return to the Valley — Flank into Win- 
chester — The " Dam Trip "—March to Berkeley Springs — 
Firing on Hancock — Move to Romney — Return to Winches- 
te.— Banks's Advance — Battle of Kernstown 26 

Chapter III. — Baylor Light Horse Organized — Character of 
Men — Captain Baylor Wounded at McGaheysville — Battle of 
McDowell — Battles of Front Royal and Winchester — Capture 
of Sir Percy Wyndham — Death of Ashby — Battles of Cross 
Keys and Port Republic — Jackson Moves to Front of Rich- 
mond — Dash into Front Royal — Return of Darrell's Sword... 37 

Chapter IV. — Capture of a Train on the W. & P. R. R. — Smith- 
field Taken — Retreat of Company B — Lieutenant Milling Dis- 
missed 55 

Chapter V. — Winchester Evacuated — Capture of Picket near 
Keyes's Ford — Fight at Darkesville — Capture of Harper's 
Ferry — Battle of Sharpsburg — Company B's Camp Surprised 
by Cole's Cavalry — My Horse Killed — Fight With Geary at 
Charlestown — Fight Near Lucas's Gate — Capture of Captain 
Baylor and W. L. Wilson 67 

Chapter VI. — A Little Escapade in Lower Valley — Fight at 
Smithfield — Capture Near Porter's Factory — Taken Through 
Charlestown a Prisoner — Lieutenant Hill — Harper's Ferry 
Guard-House — Baltimore and Fort McHenry 82 

Chapter VII. — Prisoner at Fort McHenry — Attempt to Escape — 
Put in Cell on Right of Sally-Port — Sent to Fort Delaware — 
Meet my Father — Life at This Fort — My Father's Diary — 
Amusements in Prison Life 91 

Chapter VIII. — J. Ogden Murray, Gemmil. and Purvis — My 
Father's Diary Continued — My Father's Case and Corre- 
spondence 104 



lo Contents. 

Page. 

Chai'tek IX. — Leave Fort Delaware — Kindness of Officers, Men, 
and Sympathizers — Back to Fort McHenry — Escape of W. B. 
Compton— Execution of Leopold— Taken to Fort Monroe- 
Meeting with Colonel Thomas G. Baylor— His Kind Offices- 
City Point and Freeman Again — Uncle Tom — Richmond — 
Back with Command — Correspondence Concerning the case 
of my Father 119 

Chapter X. — Jones's West Virginia Raid — Moorefield and Peters- 
burg — Greenland Gap — Oakland — Cranberry Summit — Mor- 
gantown — Fairmount — Bridgeport — Oiltown — Phillippi — 
Weston — Back to Valley — Join Stuart at Culpeper— Brandy 
Station Fight 136 

Chapter XL — Forward Movement — Middleburg — Upperville — 
O'Ferrall Wounded — Company B Posted at Harper's Ferry — 
Attack on Picket Force in Bolivar — Meet the First Connecti- 
cut Cavalry — Trip to Harper's Ferry and Capture of Sutlers — 
Fight at Culpeper — Lomax and "Gentlemen" — In the Enemy's 
Rear and Safe Escape — Jack Shop Engagement — Ranson, 
Manning and Cookus 148 

Chapter XII. — Bristoe Campaign Begun — Attempt to Capture 
Signal Corps — Charge at Stonehouse Mountain — Brandy 
Station— In Rear of the Enemy at Jeffersonton — Charge at 
Warrenton Springs — Capture of Prisoners on Road to War- 
renton — Auburn — Manassas — Bristoe — Buckland Races — Orn- 
doff and Crane — Company B Furloughed for Gallantry 162 

Chapter XIII. — Rosser Commands Our Brigade— Attack on 
Meade's Wagon-Train — Fight at Parker's Store — Death of 
Richard Baylor — Raid in Rear of Meade's Army — Rev. George 
H. Zimmerman and Dr. Williams do not Relish a Joke — 
Eaid to Moorefield and Vicinity — Fight o.i New Creek Grade — 
Sam Wright Killed— George Baylor Wounded— Return to 
Valley — Plays Part of Ancient Hobson — Dr. Burton's Keg of 
Whiskey—" Laurel Brigade "— Opie and Keyser 180 

Chapter XIV. — Grant Commands Army of Potomac — First Day's 
Fight in Wilderness — Loss in Company B — On Staff Duty — 
Lieutenant Washington Wounded — Returned to Command — 
Second Day's Fight — Lose and Recapture My Hat— Capture 
of Fifth Army Corps Hospital— Death of Stuart— Hawes Shop 
Fight 199 

Chapter XV.— Ashland Fight— Death of Locke— Trevillian— 
Colonel Alger— Engagement at Charles City Courthouse- 
Si ightly Wounded— Colonel Massie Wounded— Hampton's Re- 
port — Gregg's Report 214 

Chapter XVI.— Fight at Sappony Church— Wilson Routed— 
Bony Killed— Large Captures — Mason and Manning and Green 
Watermelon— Fight Near Reams Station— F. J. Manning 
Wounded— Engagement at Reams Station — Hancock Routed — 



Contents. ^^ 

I'lijie. 

Coleman Wounded— Pursuit— Castleman Wounded— Cattle 
raid, Capture 2,486 Head of Beef Cattle-Dick Timberlake 

Killed— Ike Strider Wounded ^^"^ 

Chapter XVII.-Return to Shenandoah Valley-Sheridan's Burn- 
ing and Devastation— Fight at Mill Creek-Strider and Lack- 
land Take Charge of Sheep-Tom's Brook Fight-Company 
B's Charge— Ike Anderson Wounded— Early's Opinion of 
Lomax— Surprise at Petticoat Gap— Cedar Creek Battle- 
Tom Tiinberlake Wounded— Sheridan's and Early's Forces 

Compared— Phil Terrill Killed 248 

CHArxER XVIIL— Night Attack at Alstadt's Farm— Narrow Es- 
cape from Capture— Fight at Charlestown-Robert W. Baylor. 
Jr., Killed— George Crayton Wounded— Encounter at Mill- 
da e — Rouss's Account 

Chapter XIX.— Sharpsbuig Bank Venture— Capture of Mules- 
Sheridan and Stevenson Friendly— Desertions— Sheridan Asks 
• Permission to Handle West Virginia Officers— Custer and 
Torbert Start for Lynchburg and are Foiled— Wounding of 

Mosby ■■■■ 

Chapter XX.— Capture of Mules at Summit Point— Henderson, 
Mason and Self Dine with Mr. Butcher— Encounter with 
Jesse Scouts-Christmas, 1864, Spent with Friends-An Inci- 
dent of Camp on Rapidan— Lincoln Always Human 28o 

Chapter XXL— Ordered to Swope's Depot— Return to Lower 
Valley— Raid on Stores in Sheperdstown— Capture of Train 
on Baltimore and Ohio Railroad— Poor Guild— Ruffians and 
Villains— Claymont— Washington and Alexander— Sheridan 
Joins Grant-Merritt's Report-General Grant Compared with 

Chapter XXH.- Hancock in Command at Winchester— Take off 
Pickets Around Charlestown— Doug Mason Wounded— Com- 
pany H Organized-Novelty of Election— Capture of Loudoun 
Rangers— Frank Helm Wounded— Origin of "Mosby's Men"— 
Mosby's Confederacy— How the Men Lived-Chaplain-My 

__ 308 

Home 

Chapter XXIIL— Companies D and H go on Raid in Fairfax— 
Betrayed— Fight at Arundels— Feturn to Mosby's Confede- 
racy—News of Lee's Surrender— Bull Run to Bull Run-Jack- 
son, Stuart, and Lee— Mosby Meets Chapman at Millwood- 
Truce Ended— Mosby's Farewell— Surrender of Chapman— 
Mosby and His Men Granted Terms of Lee's Army— Parole— 
Blue Ridge Mountain " 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page. 

„ ,, „. Frontispiece. 

Baylor, Robt. W ^^ 

Aisquith, Bdw. M ^3 

Anderson, Isaac ^9 

Baylor, Richard C 

Baylor, George ^^ 

Baylor, Robt. W., Jr ^^ 

Beall, Henry D ^^ 

Bell, Daniel F 

Berry, Charles J ^^ 

Conklyn, James C ^^ 

Conklyn, Chas. C ^^ 

Crane, Charles L t ^^ 

Crane, Joseph _ 

Coleman, John ^^ 

Chamberlain, Lucien ^^ 

Cookus, Robert ^^^ 

Creaton, George ^^ 

Craighill, Robert T ^^^ 

Easterday, Jos. H ^^^ 

Easterday, John 

English, Warren D 

Frazier, Wm. C 

^ 141 

Fry, Jos. D ^^^ 

Gallaher, James Nelson ^^^ 

Gallaher, Jno. Shannon ^^^ 

Grantham, Jno. S 

Henderson, C. B 

Howell, John ^^^ 

Hutchinson, Julian 

Lackland. E. Morton and Wright, Samuel i»^ 

Lewis, John ^ „. 

19o 
Lewis, Elisha 

Locke, Wm 2^,^ 

Manning, C. J _ 

Manning, Wm. P 29^ 

Manning, Frank J ^27 

Mason, Wm. S 

McCluer, Jno ^39 

Rouss, Charles Broadway ^^^ 

Ranson, Tho. D ^^^ 

Ranson, B." B 



/^ Ilhistrations. 

Page. 

Redman, Thomas 257 

Strider, Isaac H 263 

Sadler, L. L. and Aisquith, A. H 269 

Tiraberlake, Seth M 275 

Trussell, Charles 281 

Tearney, Leonidas 287 

Thomson, Wm. S 293 

Timberlake, Richard 299 

Timberlake, S. D 305 

Trussell, James T 313 

Trussell, Moses 319 

Timberlake, Thos. W 327 

Terrill, Philip 335 

Terrill, Jno. U 343 

Washington, Bushrod C 359 

Wysong, Robert L 367 

Wilson, Wm. L 375 

Yates, Jno. 381 

Young, Mason E 388 



LllAi'TKR i. 

To every man upon this earth, 
Death cometh soon or late; 
And how can man die better 
Than facing fearful odds 
For the ashes of his fathers 
And the temples of his gods? 

Macnulny. 

In the summer uf i860, after a three gears' course at 
Dickinson College, 1 was honored as an aliiiiiiiiis of that 
institution, and the following October found me engaged 
in the peaceful occupation of assistant of R. Jaquelin Ambler, 
at the Clifton High School, near Markham, in Fauquier 
county, Virginia. The principal of that institution had been 
my preceptor, sexeral }ears before, at the Charlestown 
Academy, and in that relation I had formed for him a warm 
attachment, and was consefjuently much gratihed that my 
career in life should have its beginning tmder so estimable 
a gentleman, and was especial 1\' pleased that my horse should 
bear me company. 

Young men of the present day, who flourish in fine bug- 
gies, smoke cigars and cigarettes, part their hair in the 
middle, and occasionally greet " inspiring bold John Barley 
Corn," can ill appreciate the pastimes and pleasures of the 
youth of a generation ago, when the horse, the gun. and the 
dog were the ne plus ultra of masculine aspirations. Those 
good old days of innocent, manly sports and recreations, are 
still valued as the brightest and happiest in life. Alas! of 
our little group, that often chased the squirrel from tree to 
tree and made the forests ring with volleys of musketry, or 
startled the partridge from its repose in the fields, but two 
are left to tell the tale. That acquaintance with the horse, 
[15] 



j6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

which beijan in earl}- childhood, soon ripened into affection, 
and the horse and rider were one in hfe and action. 

During my collegiate course the family conclave met, my 
pursuit in life was determined, and the law chosen. The 
program arranged was for me to spend a couple of years in 
teaching, and then attend the School of Law at the University 
of Virginia. But man proposes and God disposes. 

Taking uj) my abode in this rural retreat in Fauc}uier at 
the age of eighteen, the hours not occupied in school duties 
or recreation were devoted to the study of Blackstone, and 
some progress was being made in the rights of persons and 
rights of property when the 19th of April, 1861, rolled 
around, and Virginia's call to arms awakened me from my 
repose. 

The country around Markham was at that time settled by 
old and highly distinguished families, among whom may be 
named: Marshall, Ambler, Ashby, Stribling, Carter and 
others, and my stay among them was made as agreeable as it 
could be — for a youthful pedagogue. My temper, naturally 
irascible, was ill-suited to a pursuit and profession requiring 
a large modicum of patience and good nature; and the few 
months spent in this service was sufficient to implant in me 
a deep sympathy and commiseration for the toilers in the 
schools. The time spent in this community was a period 
full of import. The country was verging on a great civil war. 
The North and South were fast becoming estranged and 
designing politicians on either side fanned the liame of dis- 
cord. The Cotton States had seceded from the Union and 
formed a Confederacy, with its capital at Montgomery. The 
Star of the JJ'cst had attempted to provision Fort Sumter, 
had been refused permission, and a collision had occurred 
between the forces of the United States and of the State of 
South Carolina. Virginia, reluctant to leave the Union, was 
by the proclamation of President Lincoln calling for 75,000 
troops, forced to take sides, and natural affinity, education, 
and similaritv of interests determined her choice. 



m- 




Edw. M. Aisquith. 



i8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Soldierino" in time of peace, had found little favor with 
me, and I had refrained from joining any military organiza- 
tion, though many, the outgrowth of the John Browai raid, 
were in existence in the vicinity of my home and present 
abode. But now that Virginia had taken her stand with her 
Southern sisters, and the two sections were in hostile array, 
I felt it my duty to lay down the plow and the pruning-hook 
and take up the sword and the battle-axe. 

Turner Ashby, who lived near Markham, was then captain 
of a volunteer company of cavalry, composed of men of that 
vicinity, and had received orders to report with his' company 
at Harper's Ferry. The inclination to go could not be 
resisted, and, seeking my princi])al. I asked to be relieved 
from further duty under my contract with him. He was too 
patriotic to refuse such a request, and on the igth of April, 
1861, I joined Ashby's company of horse, crossed the Blue 
Ridge, and reached Charlestown about 6 P. M. At Hall- 
town we overtook a portion of the Second Virginia regiment 
of infantry, under command of Colonel Allen, and with it 
took possession of Harper's Ferry that night. 

The long ride on the 19th had rather worsted my steed, 
and meeting many of my old school-mates and friends in the 
Botts Greys, Second Virginia .regiment of infantrv, with the 
permission of Captain Ashby, T changed my arm of service 
from cavalry to infantry, and joined the Botts Greys — a step 
soon afterwards much regretted. My first duties as a soldier 
were performed with the awkward squad on the plateau in 
the armory yard at Harper's Ferry, and in a short time I 
became a fairly well-drilled recruit. 

Troops continued to pour into Harper's Ferry from all 
parts of Virginia and were gradually organized into regi- 
ments, brigades, and divisions. The First Brigade was 
composed of the Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Twenty-seventh 
Virginia regiments, and shortly after its formation, the 
Thirty-third was added. Colonel Thomas J. Jackson, then 
little known in military circles, although a graduate of West 



Bull Rim to Bull Run. ig 

Point and a soldier of some distinction in the Mexican War, 
was assigned to the command of onr brigade. His appear- 
ance was not mihtary or striking in any particnlar. He had 
rather a sleepy look, and was a very nniniposing figure on 
horsel)ack. He was a strict discipHnarian, and immechately 
went to work to prepare his brigade for the great work 
before it. For a couple of months we were marched and 
counter-marched, with no other ostensible purpose than to 
pro\c our metal and endurance. 

In June, 1861, our regiment was sent to Berkeley county, 
and established a cam]) opposite Williamsport, known as 
Camp Lee and especially noted as the scene of the incarcera- 
tion of Comrade Flagg for the trivial offence of shooting at 
a scpiirrel which appeared on a tree within the camp. His 
imprisonment seemed to us then a terrible outrage on the 
rights and liberties of a freeman and an insult to the honor 
and dignity of a soldier, and served somewhat to dampen 
the ardor and enthusiasm of our patriotism. We were then, 
however, novices in military life and discipline, and knew 
little of what the future had in store for us. 

\\'hile in this caiup, the Ordinance of Secession was voted 
on, and we juniors, although bearing arms and ready to 
battle for our State, were not permitted to cast oiu^ votes in 
settling this momentous question. This denial of the right 
of franchise to soldiers in the field was also esteemed an out- 
rage far worse than taxation without representation. 

Tn the latter part of June, the other regiments of our 
brigade joined our regiment and the brigade went into camp 
just south of Hainesville, near which place a portion of the 
Fifth regiment, on the 2d of July, had a little skirmish with 
Patterson's advance. Our regiment, though under artillery 
fire, can hardly be said to have smelt powder. 

On Julv 4th. General Johnston, who was in command of 
the Armv of the Shenandoah, joined us at Darkesville with 
his whole -command, and his little army was drawn up in 
line of battle to confront Patterson, who was then in posses- 



20 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

sion of Martinsburg. This offer of battle was not accepted 
by Patterson, and after remaining in this position several 
days onr army retired to Winchester, and preparations were 
hastily made to join Beauregard at Manassas, though onr 
destination was not disclosed until we were well on our way. 

On the 1 8th, our brigade marched to Berry's Ferry, waded 
the Shenandoah, then up to the shoulders of the men, and 
reached Piedmont next morning, where we took the cars 
and arrived at Manassas on the evening of the 19th. At 
Piedmont, when the train pulled up, and orders were given 
to board, there was one coach a little superior to the others 
(which were principally box-cars and gondolas), and the 
Botts Greys seeing it, were soon snugly seated within; when 
to our surprise, Sandy Pendleton, then on General Johnston's 
staff, entered and ordered us to vacate, saying that was the 
officers' coach. The boys, saying they were as good as the 
officers, refused to vacate, and after some idle threats Pendle- 
ton disappeared, and the coach was retained. 

On the 20th, our brigade went into line in front of 
McDowell, near Mitchell's Ford, on Bull Run, close to the 
battle-field of the i8th. 

On the morning of the 21st, the brigade was ordered to 
the left of our army to reinforce our troops then engaged 
with McDowell's advance. We moved into line southeast 
of the Henry house, on a little crest, in front of a pine 
thicket. The battle was then raging and the Confederates 
were retiring. As the dead and wounded were carried past, 
we realized for the first time the horrors of battle. 

Company C, commanded by Captain Nelson, was on the 
left of our regiment, the Botts Greys, Company G, was next 
in line to Company C, and as the men in the companies fell 
into line according to size, my place was on the extreme left 
of Company G, next to Tom Burnett, our fourth corporal, 
and adjoining the right of Company C. Captain Nelson was 
at the right of his company, and near him were the Ran- 
dolphs, Grubbs, Cooke, and others of large stature. On the 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 2t 

left of Company C was the Thirty-third regiment of our 
brigade, the Fourth, Fifth, and Twenty-seventh being on tlie 
right. 

The enemy's artiUery shelled us in this position for an 
hour or more, doing little damage. During this cannonade 
I remember General Beauregard riding in our front and the 
rousing cheer we gave him. Sam Wright broke ranks, ran 
forward and shook his hand. This was our first view of 
Beauregard, and his appearance is still indelibly impressed 
on my mind. About 2 P. M. I heard small-arms on our ^Left, 
and turning- in that direction, saw the Thirty-third regiment 
engaging the enemy. I recollect their first volley and how 
unfavorably it affected me. It was apparently made with 
guns raised at an angle of forty-five degrees, and 1 was fully 
assured that their bullets would not hit the Yankees, unless 
they were nearer heaven than they were generally located 
by our people. To my great astonishment and admiration, 
however, I soon saw- these same men gallantly charging a 
battery in their front, and my spirits rose. Our men clamored 
to go forward to assist them, but our ofificers refused permis- 
sion, and the golden opportunity was accordingly lost. The 
Thirty-third took the battery, Init not being reinforced, was 
forced to fall back in some disorder, which resulted in 
leaving the left of our regiment exposed to an enfilading 
tire, and the enemy soon took advantage of the situation 
and opened on Companies C and G at short range. Under 
this galling fire, with some of our officers shouting to the 
men, " don't fire; they are friends," our men were some- 
what confused, but soon realizing the true situation, briskly 
returned the enemy's fire with telling effect. I have since 
that time been in many engagements, yet have never seen 
men act as coolly and boldly under such disadvantageous 
circumstances as our men did on that occasion. Companies 
C and G, though suffering heavily, were unflinching and 
holding their own against largely superior numbers when 
the order was given to fall back and form a new line. This 



22 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

was (lone, no (lou1)l, to present a front to the foe now ont- 
tlankin^- ns. It was, liowex'er, an nnfortunate move. Few 
men can retire calmly nnder a j^allin^- lire, and the execution 
of this order resulted in stampeding some good soldiers, but 
the large majority re-formed and again advanced, and our 
right at the same time moving forward, the enemy was 
pressed back and soon in thght. The forward movement of 
our brigade, sustained by the attack oi a ])ortion of Gen. 
Kirby Smith's command, produced this fax'orable result. We 
had now received our baptism of lire and the brigade was 
christened by the dying words of General Bee, " Stonewall," 
a name which it l)ore through the four years' conflict and 
handed down to posterity untarnished. 

The victory was decisive. General Scott wired McClellan : 
"After fairly beating the enemy and taking three of his 
1)atteries, a panic seized McDowell's arm\- and it is in full 
retreat on the Potomac. A most unaccountal)le transforma- 
tion into a mob of a hnely appointed and admirablv led armv." 
E). S. Alexander, a captain of engineers, wired General 
Scott : 

" General McDowell's army in full retreat through Cen- 
treville. The day is lost. Save Washington and the remnant 
of this army. General McDowell is doing all he can to cover 
the retreat. Colonel Miles is forming for that purpose. He 
was in reserve at Centreville. The routed troops will not 
re-form." 

The report of General McDowell, then at Fairfax Court- 
house, on his retreat, says: 

" The men having thrown away tlicir haversacks in battle 
and left them behind, they are without food; have eaten 
nothing since breakfast. We are without artillery anuuuni- 
tion. The larger part of the men are a confused mob, en- 
tirely demoralized. It was the o])inion of all the commanders 
that no stand could be made this side of the Potomac. We 
will, however, make the attempt at Fairfax Courthouse. 




Isaac Anderson. 



24 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

From a prisoner we learn that 20,000 from Johnston joined 
last nioht, and they will march on us to-night." 

And in his report, written at Arlington, on August 4th, 
two weeks after the battle, he says : 

" From the late reports it will be seen that our killed 
amounted to 19 officers and 462 non-commissioned officers 
and men, and our wounded to 64 officers and 947 non-com- 
missioned officers and privates. The returns of the missing- 
are very inaccurate, the men supposed to be missing having 
fallen into other regiments and gone to IVasltington — many 
of the Zouaves to Neiv York." 

General Johnston, in his report of the battle, says : 

" Our victory was as complete as one gained by infantry 
and artillery can be. An adequate force of cavalry w^ould 
have made it decisive. It is due, under Almighty God, to 
the skill and resolution of General Beauregard, the admirable 
conduct of Generals Bee, E. K. Smith, and Jackson, and of 
Colonels (commanding brigades) Evans, Cocke, Early, and 
Elze}^ and the courage and unyielding firmness of our 
patriotic volunteers. The admirable character of our troops 
is incontestably proved by the results of this battle, especially 
when it is remembered that little more than 6,000 men of 
the Army of the Shenandoah with 16 guns, and less than 
2,000 of that of the Potomac with six guns, for fully five 
hours successfully resisted 35,000 United States troops with 
])owerful artillery and a superior force of regular cavalry. 
The loss of the Army of the Potomac w^as 108 killed, 510 
wounded, and 12 missing. That of the Army of the Shenan- 
doah was 270 killed, 979 wounded, and 18 missing. Tw^enty- 
eight pieces of artillery, about 5,000 muskets, and nearly 
500,000 cartridges, a garrison flag and ten colors, were cap- 
tured on the field or in the pursuit. Besides these, we captured 
64 artillery horses with their harness, 26 wagons and much 
cam]) e(|uipage, clothing and other |M-operty abandoned in 
their llight. We captured also about 1,600 prisoners." 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 25 

As will appear from the foregoing- reports, the rout was 
complete, and only a small portion of our forces was actually 
engaged. The l)runt of the day was l)orne by the Seventh 
and Eighth Georgia, the Fourth Alal)ama. the Second and 
Eleventh Mississij^pi, the Sixth North Carolina, Hampton's 
Legion, and Jackson's Brigade — about three-fourths of the 
total loss on our side being suffered by these commands. 

Though the rout of the Federal army was complete, the 
fruits of the victory were lost by jxjor generalship. With 
fully 10,000 men who had not been engaged favorably located 
on our right, where the distance to Centreville was less than 
it was from the battle-field, no effort was made to intercept 
the flying foe. It was reported and currently believed that 
Jackson had been refused permission to pursue with his 
brigade. With President Davis, Generals Johnston and 
Beauregard on the field, eye-witnesses of the enemy's dis- 
comfiture and utter demoralization, their strange conduct 
cannot be explained or their sin of omission condoned. 

It has been truly said that the Army of Northern Virginia 
possessed only one general who reaped the proper fruits of 
\'ictory — his name was Stonewall Jackson. Having routed 
the enemy, our army cjuietly rested on its arms and patiently 
waited until our opponent, fully rallied from discomfiture, 
recruited and organized a larger and better-equipped force, 
and again advanced to give us battle. Such folly on our 
])art seems almost criminal. With an Alexander, a Napoleon, 
or a Von Moltke for a leader, the war would have been of 
short duration, and the success of our arms assured. 

Company G, Botts Greys, lost in this battle, Butler, Page, 
and Briscoe killed, and Lieutenant English and Privates Ais- 
quith, ^^^ p. Alannlng, Seth and Joe Timberlake, Wiltshire, 
Painter, ^^'right, and Middlecoff wounded. 



CHAPTER 11. 

" All quiet along the Potomac," they say, 
Except now and then a stray picket 
Is shot, as he walks on his beat, to and fio. 

By a rifleman hid in the thicket. 
'Tis nothing; a private or two, now and then, 

Will not count in the news of the battle: 
Not an officer lost — only one of the men, 
Moaning out, all alone, the death-rattle. 

TlKuJdcH^ Oliver. 

The (lav after the Manassas fight, our brigade went into 
cani|) just east of Centreville (known as " Cam]:) llarnian "), 
where it remained for several months, now and then varying 
tlie monotony of camp life by picket dnt\' in the vicinity of 
h^alls Church and Munson's Mill. It was on one of these 
occasions, Se])teml)er 21st, that our comrade, Lawrence Lee 
Berrv, was killed, on picket ]K)st. The situation the night 
l)receding his death is vivi(li\- im])resse<l on my mind. ( )ur 
line of pickets and the enemy's were in close proximity, and 
firing between them was frecpient. Two of my comrades and 
mvseif were assigned a post at the edge of a woods, about 
three lumdred N'ards from the enemy's line, and a shot at 
each other was freely indulged, without nmch effect, as 
we had tree fortifications for shelter. So accurate, howexer, 
was the enemy's aim, that they barked the trees that pro- 
tected us. There was a lud in the firing at nightfall, but 
our e\'es and ears were l)oth \igilant and our imaginations at 
high tension. In media node, as Julius Caesar would say, 
strange noises were heard around our ])osition, resembling 
footsteps of men in the lea\es, and well remembered is the 
comforting picture presented b}- the senior of our post to 
our excited nnnds of our ne.\t da\''s march to the old Capitol 
prison — the greatest of horrors to the soldiers at that period 
[26] 



Bull Run to Hull Run. 2^ 

of the war. Just as day 1)r()ke, however, the enemy's attack 
was made on the post to our left, held by Judg-e Green, Law- 
rence Berry, and Joe Sherrard. In the attack Berry was 
killed, but (ircen and Sherrard escaped unhurt, (jreen and 
Sherrard were accused of enabling- the enem\- to locate their 
station bv a loud ]K)!itical discussion on the rii.;iit of secession 
had by them durini;- the ni^ht, bul both indi^-nantl_\- denied 
the grave accusation, ddie i)ost was soon retaken by our 
reserve and the line re-estal)lished. 

General Jackson, whose star was now in the ascendant, 
was made a major-general in the latter part of ( )ctober antl 
assigned to duty in the Shenandoah Valley Department, with 
headquarters at Winchester. A few days thereafter he took 
lea\'e of his old brigade, in the following touching and thrill- 
ing words : 

" I am not here to make a speech, but simply to sa>' fare- 
well. 1 first met you at Harper's Ferry in the commence- 
ment of this war, and I cannot take lea\e of you without 
giving expression to my admiration of }our conduct from 
that day to this — whether (mi the march, in the bivouac, in 
the tented field, or on the bloody plains of Manassas, where 
vou gained the well-deser\ed re])utation of ha\ing decided 
the fate of the l)attle. Throughout the broad extent of 
country over which you have marched, by your respect for 
the rights and the property of citizens, yon have shown that 
\'ou were soldiers — not only to defend, but able and willing 
both to defend and protect. Vou have already gained a 
brilliant and deserxedly high re])Utation throughout the army 
of the whole Confederacy, and I trust in the future, by your 
deeds on the field, and by the assistance of the same kind 
Providence who has heretofore favored our cause, you will 
gaiii more victories, and add additional luster to the reputa- 
tion you now enjoy, ^'ou have already gained a proud posi- 
tion in the huure history of this our Second War for Inde- 
pendence. 1 shall look with great anxiety to your future 



28 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

movements, and I trust whenever 1 shall hear of the First 
Brigade on the held of battle, it will be of still nobler deeds 
achieved and higher reputation won." 

Then, overcome with emotion, he paused as if to conquer 
his own feelings, and after a few moments' silence, which in 
itself was eloquence, he concluded wdth much warmth and 
feeling : 

" In the Army of the Shenandoah you were the First 
Brigade! In the Army of the Potomac you were the First 
Brigade! In the Second corps of the army you are the First 
Brigade! You are the Fiist Bi'igade in the ai^ections of your 
General ! And I hope, by your future deeds and bearing, you 
will be handed down to posterity as the First Brigade in this 
our Second War for Independence. Farewell ! " 

The applause that greeted these words evinced the hold 
the General had already obtained in the affections of his 
brigade, and the tears that streamed down the sunburnt 
cheeks of that hardy soldiery were more eloquent than a 
thousand tongues in assuring him of its depth and sincerity. 

Our brigade parted with its General in sorrow, but the 
separation was happily not of long duration. About the 
middle of November we were ordered to Winchester to 
report to General Jackson, and the announcement w-as 
received with great joy and delight. As the homes of our 
men were in the Valley, the expectation and anticipated 
pleasure of meeting the loved ones added zeal to our joy. We 
took cars at Manassas and were con\^eyed to vStrasburg, from 
which ])lace the l)rigade footed it through a drenching rain 
to Kernstown and was ordered into camp there. 

Many of us having a longing desire to enter Winchester 
and greet our many friends and acquaintances, struck out 
for that destination, but were halted by the militia, who had 
a circle of pickets around the town, with strict orders not 
to allow the regulars to pass. The regulars held the militia 
in great contemj)t, and were little disposed to acquiesce in 




Richard C Baylor. 



JO /)//// Run to Bull Run. 

their orders. l)iit, preferring peace to war with them, devised 
ways and means to evade and avoid them. Some thanked 
the posts, some deceived them with forged passes from Gen- 
eral Jackson; l)ut it was left to the ingennity of our comrade 
Jim Frazier to o])tain for us a wholesale entrance. He 
elected himself captain of the flankers, and ordering us to 
fall in line, marched us up to the militia post in military style 
and order and halted us. Frazier then stepped u]) to the 
officer of the picket guard and saluting, informed him that 
General Jackson had ordered him to proceed to Winchester 
with his company and arrest members of our brigade found 
there without leave. His authorit\\ backed 1)\- force, was at 
once recognized and we marched through, the militia posts 
giving the usual military salute — a ])art of a soldier's tactics 
and education in which they especially excelled. (Jut of 
sight of the post, we broke ranks, and each found friends and 
a comfortable resting place in hospitable old Winchester. I 
think it safe to say that fully half of the First Brigade visited 
U'inchester that night. 

On December 4th, our brigade nK:)ved into camp near 
Stephenson's Depot, and Brigadier-General Garnett (a cousin 
of mine) was assigned to its command, and a review- was had 
to show him what sort of looking fellows we were. 

On the 15th, General Jackson started us on what was 
generally termed the " dam trip," the object of which was 
to destroy dam No. 5 on the Potomac and cripple the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio canal. The undertaking w^as only partially 
successful, and we returned to camp at Stephenson's. The 
monotony of cam]) life was ill-suited to our juvenile tempera- 
ments and Winchester had many attractions we longed to 
enjoy. Why (ieneral Jackson had banished the young- 
volunteers to this rural retreat and hard-tack diet, while the 
old seedy militia had comfortable quarters in the citv and 
feasted on the best in the market, we could not easily under- 
stand, and were therefore inclined to rebel against such an 
unjust and arbitrary restriction, and daily devised schemes to 



Bull Run to Bull I\uii. J-f 



overcome it. The militia guards seemed to have no other 
occupation but that of opposing our entrance. We daily out- 
witted them and our officers, however, and gained admission. 
I remember on one occasion several of our com])any. Com- 
rade Flagg among the number, obtaining permission to visit 
Winchester on a' Sal)l)ath day to attend church and not 
returning for a week. On reporting to camp, each expecte<l 
a berth \n the guard-house and extra duty as a punishment 
for our otTence; but Flagg was equal to the occasion, and 
when our captain demanded to know why we had absented 
ourselves without leave, as he had only given us permission 
to attend church, " Yes," says Flagg, " but when we got 
there we found it was a ' protracted ' meeting and lasted all 
the week." The captain was put in good humor and all 
escaped punishment. _ _ . 

On another occasion I remember approaching the militia 
pickets without passes. Comrade Flagg acting the part of a 
lunatic and we as his guard taking him to jail. The pickets for 
a while refused us passage, but just then our lunatic made 
such violent attacks and demonstrations on the pickets, that 
they, fearing great bodily harm, were only too glad to get ri<l 
of him and passed us through. 

On the I St of Tanuarv, 1862, General Jackson moved with 
his whole force in the direction of Berkeley Spnngs. The 
morning was fair, bright, nnld. and beautiful; about sun- 
down, however, a northwester sprang up, and the night was 
verv cold. To add to our discomfort, we had left our over- 
coats and blankets in our company wagons, and they failed 
to reach us. Our comi)anv laid down in a pile of leaves, hog- 
fashion, and tried to re.st, but failed, as the night was too 
cold Farlv next morning Sam Wright an.l myself tlanked 
out to a little mountain hut to get something to eat. and 
onlv found buckwheat cakes an<l bacon gravy— a meal 
remembered bv me still as the most enj(^vable (^f my life. 

The weather grew colder and colder as we journeyed for- 
ward On'the 4th, after a little brush with our advance, tlie 



S2 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

enemy retreated, and Berkeley Springs was entered, and I 
found comfortable lodging with my greatimcle, John 
Strother, who, although a strong Union man in sentiment, 
did the kinsman's part to me and other relatives in our 
brigade. I was met at the door at Uncle John's by his grand- 
daughter, then a miss in her teens, and was kindly greeted 
and welcomed l)y her, notwithstanding the fact that the 
entrance of our troops had occasioned the flight of her 
father, then an officer in the Federal army. Uncle John had 
been a soldier in the War of 1812, held the Stars and Stripes 
in great reverence and affection; was an honest, earnest 
opponent of secession, and did not hesitate to proclaim his 
sentiments and tell us he believed we were in the wrong. 
'' Yet," said he, " I am proud to find you fighting for what 
you believe to be right." His faith was so strong and so 
boldly asserted that it commanded the highest respect and 
admiration. 

In the fall of 1861, he had been arrested by some of Ashby's 
cavalr}- as a dangerous enemy to our cause, and retained in 
\Vinchester a week or more under guard of a cavalryman, 
but not in confinement. His many friends in that place soon 
procured his release and he returned home. When we 
occupied Berkeley Springs he met and entertained his guard 
as his guest, telling us how kind and considerate the man 
had been of his welfare while he was a prisoner at Winchester. 

On the r)th, our regiment moxxd opposite Hancock, where 
we were drawn up in line to support Captain Bragg's 
artillery, a twenty-fcjur-pound gun, which opened on Han- 
cock and served to scatter the enemy congregated there, if 
it did no further execution. After the firing ceased, we 
l)ivouacke(l for the night and awoke in the morning with a 
foot or more of snow on us. 

On the 8th, we moved back near Berkeley Si)rings and 
encamped for the night in the snow. Albert Hooff and 
myself celebrated Jackson's day with a personal encounter, 
in which the advantage was with me in the outset, but as the 
tide was turning, fortunately for me, friends separated us. 



Bull Run to Bull Ru)i. jj 

On the 9th, we began our retreat to Unger's Store. The 
clay was bitter cold, and the horses and men tramped the 
snow imtil it became slippery as ice, and it was difficult for 
man or beast to stand up. Our march somewhat resembled 
Napoleon's from Moscow. Reaching- Unger's Store, we 
turned to the right and moved to Romney. where the brigade 
remained several days and fed on Yankee rations abandoned 
by the enemy in their hasty retreat. With several of our 
company, I was posted at the bridge on the Potomac on the 
road to Moorefield, near the house of Mr. Gibson, whose 
family was exceedingly kind and considerate of our com- 
fort. After holding this position against the northw^est wind 
for several days, we w^ere called in, and w-ith our brigade 
ordered back to Winchester. The shout that went up from 
the brigade when we learned this, evinced as much heart as 
lungs, for we were heartily weary of this,niidw'inter tramp 
without any spoils and with much hardship and discomfort. 
As our brigade was preparing to start, Jack Terrill and myself 
determined to precede the brigade and by a forced march 
reach Winchester in one day and rest there in comfortable 
quarters until our regiment should arrive. With knapsack 
on our back, gun on our shoulder, and cartridge-box at our 
side, toiling up and down the hills, we walked the forty miles, 
reaching Winchester about 10 P. M.. with legs so tired we 
could not sleep, though we had " all the means and ap- 
pliances to boot." 

Our brigade came in on the third day after leaving Romney 
and again went into camp near Stephenson's, where it 
remained until Banks's force advanced up the Valley. About 
the first of March John Terrill, Charlie Manning, and myself 
succeeded in obtaining transfers from the infantry to the 
cavalry, and joined a company raised by my father in the 
summer of 1861, and attached to Ashby's command. Horses 
were soon procured, and we reported for duty to this com- 
pany, then 'stationed at Berryville, with Banks's army at 
3 



j^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Charlcstown. On horseback, I felt like a new man, and con- 
templated the war from a much more favorable standpoint. 

As Banks advanced, Jackson retreated up the Valley, 
Ashby's cavalry bringing- up the rear and having daily en- 
counters with the enemy's advance. General Banks, after 
reaching Strasburg, soon retired to Winchester, and he and 
the greater part of his force passed over the Blue Ridge and 
joined Pope, leaving Shields, with about 10,000 men, at 
AVinchester. 

Ashby, who was ever on the alert, followed the retiring 
foe, constantly reporting the situation to Jackson, who, being 
•desirous of relieving, as far as possible, Johnston's situation 
at Richmond by compelling the enemy to keep a strong force 
in the Valley, determined to advance and attack Shields at 
Winchester. General Ashby, on the evening of the 22d, 
passed the outpost of Shields's army, and made a brisk attack 
just south of Winchester, in which General Shields was 
wounded. On the 23d, General Jackson having arrived, dis- 
positions for an attack were immediately made. The main 
assault was made west of the turnpike, on the enemy's right, 
and for several hours an animated contest was maintained. 
Jackson had in this engagement about 3,000 men, while 
Shields opposed him with 10,000. 

A most favorable opportunity was afforded me of viewing 
this engagement, and the day was highly favorable to our 
side until about 5 P. M. Our men early in the contest gained 
a stone wall, while the enemy's line was about one hundred 
yards distant, on a little slope in a piece of woodland. Regi- 
ment after regiment of the enemy was pressed forward in the 
attempt to dislodge our men from this position, until their 
line appeared to be twenty deep and a splendid target for 
our men. Both sides maintained their respective positions 
for about three hours, when the Federal troops became 
so mixed and confused that all organization was lost and 
the men were wavering. A forward movement at this 
crisis would have given us the day, but, unfortunately, 




George Baylor. 



S6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

the aniniunition on our side was exhausted, and the m^n 
were ordered to retire — a move which gave the enemy such 
courage that they ralhed and pressed forward, and the day 
was lost. In the beginning of this fight, a call was made 
for twenty men from our comi)anv to report to General 
Jackson. At this time a Federal l^attery a short distance ofT 
was pouring a vigorous fire into our ranks. When the call 
was made, it was accompanied with the report that Jackson 
wanted the men to charge that battery, and volunteers from 
the compan}- were slow in responding. At this juncture, 
Charlie Crane, a youth then about sixteen, rode forward, 
saying, " Come on, boys, we have but one time to die," took 
his place in the detachment, and, others following his 
example, the number was soon complete. Great was our 
relief, however, when on reporting to General Jackson, we 
were directed b}- him to take position on his extrenie left 
and report any attempt oi the eneni}' to outflank him. 
Position was taken by our squad in advance of our left and 
be^'ond the enemy's right, and while out of the heat of the 
conflict, we had full view of all movements on both side? 
\\> fell back to Newtown for the nieht. 



CHAPTER III. 

Then, farewell, home I and farewell, friends! 

Adieu each tender tie! 
Resolved we mingle in the tide, 
Where charging squadrons furious ride, 

To conquer or to die. 

Scott. 

After the battle of Kernstown. Banks returned to the A'alley 
and Jackson's forces retired slowly up the Valley, Ashby with 
his cavalry covering- the rear and fighting the enemy's advance 
at every favorable opportunity along the route. It was on 
this retreat, just south of Mount Jackson, that Ashby lost his 
snow-white horse, the pride of his heart, and narrowly escaped 
capture himself. 

When Harrisonburg was entered Jackson turned to the left 
and took the road to Conrad's Store, which was reached on 
the 19th of April, and his forces went into camp. It was 
here, on the 21st day of April, 1862, that the " Baylor Light 
Horse," Company B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was organ- 
ized. Prior to that time the company was comparatively 
small, had no regular organization, and, besides the captain, 
no other commissioned officer. The new organization was 
composed largely of men who had enlisted at the outbreak 
of the war and served one year in the ranks of the Second 
Virginia Regiment of Infantry, in the famous Stonewall 
Brigade. Its members were principally sons of farmers of 
Jefferson county, Virginia, mere school-boys, who had not 
attained their majority or completed their education. As 
now remembered, there were only three married men in the 
company. The Orderly Sergeant, Seth Timberlake. a 
brother-in-law of Charles Broadway Rouss, was a widower, 
and called bv the bovs. " Uncle Seth," on account of his 

[37] 



S8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

seniority, thougii he was tlien quite a young man. In its 
ranks were youths who to-day stand in the front in various 
occupations of civil Hfe. There was ex-Postmaster-General 
William L. Wilson; Charles Broadway Rouss, the merchant 
prince and philanthropist, of New York; Charles Henderson, 
vice-president and general manager of the Reading railroad; 
Hon. \Y. D. English, of California; Thomas D. Ransom, a 
prominent lawyer of the Staunton Bar; William L. Thomson, 
a leading member of the Atlanta Bar; H. D. Beall, of the 
Baltimore Sun; Julian Hutchinson, a capitalist and member 
of the City Council of Atlanta; Timberlakes, eight in number, 
all gallant soldiers; Washingtons, Mannings, Terrills, Cranes, 
Aisquiths, Gallahers, Alexanders, Craighill, Frazier, Mason, 
Sadler, Strider, McClure, Howell, Hunter, Lackland, Seldon, 
Yates, and many others whose names, in Virginia, suggest 
pride, prowess, and parentage. 

Robert W. Baylor was chosen captain; Milton Rouss, first 
lieutenant; George Baylor, second lieutenant; and B. C. 
Washington (afterwards for gallant conduct) was made third 
lieutenant. No arms or equipments were furnished the com- 
pany by the Confederate Government, the men owned their 
horses, and Uncle Sam very kindly and very soon provided 
us the very best pistols, sabers, saddles and bridles he had 
in stock. Everything but ourselves was branded U. S. For 
the carbine we had no liking and no use. Early in the con- 
flict we recognized the fact that the Federal olTfiicer was our 
equal, and that our chief strength and superiority lay in our 
rank and file. If our opponents were fought at long range, 
the ofificers had the opportunity to bring to their aid dis- 
cipline and authority over the actions and conduct of their 
men; when in close contact, they lost control, and their men, 
lacking individuality, became as sheep without a shepherd; 
while with us, every private was a general and needed no 
guidance or direction from his ol^cer. In the camp and in 
the field the Confederate soldier was ruled by afifection and 
example, and was treated as an equal. Especially was this 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 39 

the case in our company, where we bore the relation of 
brother, cousin, school-mate, neighbor, and friend. 

On the 27th, the company was taken on a scout to 
McGaheysville. After entering- the town, a picket was placed 
on the western limit and the reserve posted just east of the 
town. About an hour after our arrival our picket was driven 
in by a company charge of the enemy's cavalry. The reserve 
was quickly mounted and a counter-charge ordered, and the 
enemy's cavalry repulsed and driven through the town to a 
point about a half-mile beyond, when then" reserve opened 
with canister, and we in turn were forced to retreat. In this 
charge my father was severely wounded and C. H. Isloer was 
taken prisoner. My brother Richa'rd made a narrow escape 
from capture. When the enemy opened with artillery. 
Richard's horse became unmanageable, and, in plungmg, 
broke the saddle-girth and landed him in the road. Entering 
a house near by, he ran out of the back door, jumped into a 
chicken-coop and got up on the roost. This would have been 
a very unsafe proceeding after sunset, as the chickens usually 
occupy the roost after that hour and it would have been a 
certain point of inspection by Federal soldiers. The Yankees 
made diligent search for him and even looked into the coop, 
but not turning their gaze upward, failed to find him. As 
soon as the enemy left, he came out of his hiding-place and 
made his way back to the company. 

Though my father was seriously, and at the time supposed 
to be mortally wounded, we succeeded in bringing him off 
safely and back to camp. He never sufficiently recovered to 
enter active service again, and Lieutenant Rouss took com- 
mand of the company. The enemy's force in this skirmish 
was composed of two regiments of infantry, two companies 
of cavalry, and a battery of artillery, under the command of 
General Hatch, while our force was about 40 men. The 
enemy's loss was two killed and three wounded. Our loss, 
one wounded and one prisoner. 



40 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

General Banks, in his report to the Secretary of War, says : 

" General Hatch made a reconnoisance in force yesterday. 
Two of our men were wounded, one mortally. Five of the 
enemy were killed and five wounded in the skirmish." 

Shortly after this skirmish, Jackson commenced the execu- 
tion of his plan to clear the Valley of the Federal troops. His 
small, force being reinforced with Ewell's Division, he left 
Ewell at Conrad's Store, moved swiftly through Staunton, 
united his force with that of General Edward Johnson, and 
on the 8th of May, at McDowell, routed Milroy's command. 
Then, turning back to the Valley, he united his force with 
Ewell's at New Market, _Banks having in the mean time 
fallen back to Strasburg. From New Market, Jackson 
crossed the mountains to Luray and moved down the Front 
Royal road, leaving only four companies of cavalry in the 
Shenandoah Valley (our company among the number) to 
watch the enemy's movements in that quarter. 

Our little command proceeded cautiously down the Valley 
to Woodstock, when Jackson's guns were heard at Front 
Royal. Being assured Jackson would drive Banks before 
him, we approached Strasburg just as Jackson was striking 
the enemy at Middletown. Several thousand Federal troops 
were cut off at Strasburg and were ready to surrender, if 
any considerable force had presented itself, but our little 
cavalry band was too small and an attack deemed imprudent. 
No part of Jackson's command turning their attention to 
these Federal troops, on the night of the 24th they escaped 
through the mountains westward. 

On the morning of the 25th, our company entered 
Strasburg, picked up some straggling prisoners, captured 
many stores, and then joined Jackson near Winchester. 
After Banks's defeat at that point, the company was ordered 
in the direction of Charlestown, which place we entered the 
day following, finding a considerable amount of abandoned 
stores, but as we had no means of removing them, the enemy 




Robt. W. Baylor, Jr. 



4- /)/'// Run to Ihi/I Null. 

returned the next day, drove us out. and destroyed them. As 
these stores were btn-ning, General Winder, with the Stone- 
wall Brigade, put in an appearance, and the enemy hastily 
retreated. On this occasion the market-house and railroad 
station were destroyed by the enemy. General \\^inder moved 
with his brigade to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry.. but on the 
30th receiA'ed orders to retire up the Valley with infantry 
and cavalry. Avhich order was executed, the cavalry reaching 
Strasburg on the 31st, where we found General Jackson 
engaged with Fremont's advance on the Wardensville road. 

On June ist. all of Jackson's troops having reached Stras- 
burg, he began the famous retreat up the Valley with Fre- 
mont directly in his rear and Shields moving up the Luray 
Valley. From every hilltop, Ashby opened with his artillery 
on the advancing foe. and daily encoimters took place be- 
tween his command and the advance of the enemy, so delay- 
ing its movements that Jackson was enabled to save all his 
prisoners and captured stores. 

At a point about four miles southeast of Harrisonburg the 
enemy was so much emboldened that the First New Jersey 
Cavalry, under Sir Percy Wyndham, boldly charged into 
Ashby's command, and after a brisk combat, he and sixty- 
three of his men were successfully bagged and some thirty 
killed and wounded. Sir Percy was much chagrined at 
being dubbed a Yankee by our boys. He had made many 
boasts that he would soon capture Ashby, and the remem- 
brance of these boasts only deepened his sense of humilia- 
tion. But Ashby did not long enjoy the triumph of the 
morning. On the afternoon of the 6th, while in charge of 
two regiments of infantry, detached and sent to his com- 
mand, leading an attack on the enemy's infantry advance, his 
horse was shot and he himself soon after killed. 

Ashby was an ideal cavalryman — bold, dashing, cour- 
ageous, undaunted, and ]:)ure and stainless in life. He was 
the idol of the people of the \"alley, and probably no one 
else ever enjoyed so much of their love and admiration. He 



Bull Run to Bull h'uu. z/j 

was of tlie true t}'pe of chixalry, and to know him was to 
love and esteem him. His men idolized him, and no word 
of reproach ever fell from their lips. His great fault, if indeed 
it can be called a fault, was his reckless exposure of himself, 
in order to shield and protect his men. 

On the 8th, was fought the battle of Cross Keys, and 
Fremont was repulsed with hea\ y loss. 

On the next day, Shields was attacked near Port Re|)ublic, 
and after a spirited tight, routed, with the loss of eight guns 
and 1,500 prisoners, and he and Fremont raced down the 
\'alley faster than they had raced up. 

To Shields, defeat must have been a great blow, coming- 
just two days after his celebrated order of the 7th. which will 
be interesting at this point ■ 

Columbia Bridge, Va., 

June 7th, 2 A. M. 
Brigadier-General Carroll, 

Comd'g Fourth Brigade, Conrad's Store : 

Such is my anxiety that I rise from my bed to write to 
you. Captain Keily, who will hand you this, has just returned 
from New Market. The enemy passed New Market on the 
5th, Blencker's Division, on the 6th, in pursuit. The enemy 
has flung away everything; knapsacks and their stragglers 
fill the mountains. They only need a movement on the flank 
to panic-strike them, and break them into fragments. No 
man has had such a chance since the war commenced. Few 
men ever had such a chance. You are in 30 miles of a 
broken, retreating enemy, who still hangs together. Ten 
thousand Germans are on his rear, who hano;- on like bull- 
dogs. You have only to throw yourself down on Waynes- 
borough before him and your cavalry will capture them by 
the thousands, seize his train, and abundant supplies; and 
yet there is a strange want of enthusiasm in the command. 
The enemy is in retreat right before you. The men who 
follow him have no train — live by the way. This command 
can throw itself upon its flank, and yet I am pestered about 
shoes and stockings and clothing by of^cers like Colonel 
Gavin. \\'hy, if the clothing was here, there is no time to 
get it. Ta*ke 5,000 of the enemy prisoners; then there will be 



44 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

time to clothe you. Some of the officers are discouraging 
their men, instead of putting heart into them. Officers who 
do so at this time are not worthy of their places. The Ger- 
mans are not half as well off as you are, yet they hang on 
the enemy without respite. The enemy insulted the capital 
of your country; he is in retreat; you are in a day and a half 
of him, and you hesitate. I don't mean you personally, but 
some of your officers and men. This would be a disgrace. 
Can this be my boasted Shields's division? If an officer hesi- 
tates, send him back. Go on with the men. 

James Shields, 
Commanding Division. 

A^'hen Shields's boasted division started back from Port 
Republic, no further complaint was made about shoes and 
clothing, and the bombastic general himself was much like 
that King of Britain that never smiled again. Those hesi- 
tating men, upbraided so severely, knew Jackson better than 
Shields, or had a premonition of coming events and were 
averse to stirring up this hornets' nest. If General Shields 
had remembered the message of the King of Israel to 
Ben-hadad, King of Syria: "Let not him that girdeth on 
his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off," not vaunted 
his deeds of to-morrow, he might have lessened the abase- 
ment and humiliation of defeat. 

A few days after these engagements, Jackson crossed the 
mountain and united his force with Johnston's in front of 
Richmond, leaving Company B in the Valley to watch the 
movements of the enemy in that department. Being sole 
guardians of the Shenandoah Valley, we felt a just pride in 
the trust reposed in us, and determined to show ourselves 
worthy of the confidence of our commander. After the 
departure of the army, an outpost was established at McGa- 
heysville. with pickets on the road to Luray and Harrison- 
burg, and we made frequent scouts in the direction of these 
points to ascertain the location of Fremont and Shields. As 
the enemy moved down the Luray and Shenandoah valleys, 
our posts were advanced. 



Bull Run to Bull Kun. ^5 

On the 10th of August, witli 30 men, 1 started on a scout 
to Luray, expecting to rind a small force of the enemy in 
possession of the town, but on reaching there, found the 
enemy had moved east that morning, and a few stragglers 
were captured. Tlie night was spent in Luray with our 
friends, and an incident of the night had nnich to do with 
determining the movements and success of the following day. 

Hospitable entertainment was accorded me that evening 
at the home of the Jordans, while Henry Beall and some 
others of the company had comfortable quarters at the Lion- 
bergers. Air. Lionberger was then quite an old gentleman, 
and having expressed in the presence of Beall a desire to 
see the officer commanding the company, Beall kindly offered 
to go over to the Jordans and introduce him. He came, he 
saw, and was sorely disappointed. At that time I was a mere 
stripling boy, just twenty years of age, weighing one hundred 
pounds, and not very attractive or warlike in appearance. 
Air. Lionberger returned home much disgusted, and so 
expressed himself to Beall, saying, " What can you expect 
to accomplish with that stripling for a leader? " Beall. like 
a true friend, reported his remark to me, and my blood boiled 
in my veins, but I said nothing — only thought. 

The next morning, with 25 men. I started on the road to 
Front Royal, inwardly resolved to do or die. No one knew 
how desperate the old gentleman's disparaging remarks had 
made me. We inquired along the route as to the enemy's 
position, but failed to elicit any further information than that 
it occupied Front Royal. About noon of the nth, we had 
reached the vicinity of that town, but had encountered no 
foe. About one-half mile south of the place, however, we came 
suddenly upon the enemy's cavalry picket-post, and a charge 
was immediately ordered. Recklessly we dashed into the 
town, capturing the cavalry picket reserve, and finding the 
town occupied by a large infantry force. Our men were soon 
scattered^ pursuing fleeing Yankees in every direction. 
Noticing a company forming in front of the hotel, with about 



46 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

40 men in line, I called Henry Beall and Charlie Crane to my 
assistance, dashed in among them, and drawing my pistol 
on the officer in command, demanded a surrender. He 
turned to his men and commanded them to ground arms — 
an order quickly obeyed. Securing the officer, I directed 
the men to march out by the Luray road. Just then another 
officer appeared on the scene, and he, too, was made prisoner. 
General Redden, who was in command of the force, made his 
escape on a cart-horse. Our handful of men were soon over- 
whelmed with prisoners, and I was satisfied we must beat 
a hasty retreat. In looking up our boys and getting them 
together, I found John Terrill and Bob North in among the 
infantry tents, slashing them with their sabers and ordering 
out the men. Our situation was critical indeed, and, gather- 
ing up as many of the prisoners as could hastily be gotten 
together, our retreat was begun. We left Front Royal with 
about 300 prisoners, most of them infantrymen, and among 
them a major and two captains. When about a mile south 
of town, the enemy's cavalry, about 300 strong, appeared in 
our rear. About 15 horses had been captured from the 
enemy. On these, prisoners were mounted, and with residue 
on foot, in charge of 15 men, were started off at a rapid pace 
towards Luray, while with 10 men I undertook to cover the 
retreat. The enemy was held in check for some time, but 
finally broke our little rear-guard and succeeded in releasing 
the foot prisoners, but those on horseback were brought off 
safely. In a running fight of five miles, with counter-charges, 
we kept this body of cavalry sufficiently in check^Sto permit 
the mounted prisoners and guards to keep at a safe distance 
from recapture. 

In one of the enemy's charges Baker, of our company, was 
captured, a counter-charge was ordered and Baker released. 
In this engagement George Timberlake was slightly 
wounded, Orderly-Sergeant Seth Timberlake. known as the 
fighting sergeant, had his horse killed, and my horse was 
wounded in shoulder and neck, and, though losing blood. 



48 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

bore me safely throngli the conflict. The enemy's loss was 
lo killed and wounded, and two officers and 13 men 
prisoners. These officers were Captains Darrell and Baker, 
of the Third Delaware regiment. 

After following us about five miles, the enemy abandoned 
the pursuit, and our little band returned to Luray, camping 
near that place for the night. 

Comrade Beall relates that on our retreat from Front 
Royal he discovered Tustin Starry standing on a hill over- 
looking the town,, having failed to follow the company in its 
charge, and upbraiding him for his shameful conduct, asked 
him " why he did not go." To wdiich he coolly replied, " I 
went as far as I thought it was prudent." 

General White, in his report of this affair to General Pope, 
says : " The enemy's cavalry, some 25 strong, dashed into 
Front Royal yesterday, and captured two captains on pro- 
vost-marshal duty. They surprised our picket and guards. 
Our cavalry pursued and captured one prisoner." 

On August 4th, the Army Record shows General Redden 
had at Front Royal the Third Delaware regiment, over 800 
strong, 400 cavalry, and a battery of artillery. General Banks 
had wired him on that day, " had sent him Captain Munther, 
an engineer, to arrange his fortifications, but that the enemy 
near him were not numerous, there are no rebel troops in 
the Valley, and only guerrillas in your vicinity. If you are 
fortified they will not attack you at all. A few men can 
defend the works, and nearly your whole force will l)e free 
to attack them. No better opportunity is offered for active 
service. These guerrillas are outlaws. It is not recognized 
warfare, and no engagement with them should be regarded." 
Yet, notwithstanding these precautions, the little band of 
Company B surprised General Redden on the nth follow- 
ing, capturing the town, and could have taken the whole 
garrison if it had had men sufficient to guard them. 

When Captain Darrell surrendered he was wearing a gold- 
mounted sword bearing the inscription, " Presented to Cap- 



Bull Riui to Bull Run. ^p 

tain W. B. Darrell by Co. C, Third regiment, D. V.," which 
I promised to return him after the war was over. At its close 
I made inquiry after him and found he had been killed in 
front of Petersburg, so I thought no more about the matter 
until I received a letter from his cousin, living in Buffalo, 
New York, in June, 1898, asking if I would part with the 
sword. I learned through my correspondence with this 
cousin that Captain Darrell's wife was still alive and her 
address w-as furnished me. My assent to return the sword 
was readily given, but I suggested that the wife should have 
the preference over the cousin. So I wrote to this lady at 
^Manchester, New Hampshire, and on June 22, 1898, received 
the following courteous reply: 

Captain George Baylor: 

My Dear Sir, — I am just in receipt of your favor of June 
20th, and hasten to express my gratification at your kind- 
ness in giving me the little history of the sword, which ren- 
ders the event of its restoration exceedingly interesting — 
and in order that you may comprehend my ignorance in 
regard to it, permit me to make a brief explanation. 

When the Third Delaware regiment was stationed at the 
Relay House, Maryland, in 1863, I met Lieutenant-Colonel 
\Mlliam B. Darrell for the first time. This was after he had 
the fortune to become the prisoner of so generous a toe as 
yourself. After the exchange, he was commissioned lieu- 
tenant-colonel of his regiment (and later, just before his 
death, he was nominated colonel). We were married January, 
1864 — and in less than four months he was ordered to the 
front. After much active service, he received his death- 
wound at the Weldon railroad battle before Petersburg, 
Virginia, June 18, 1864. He was but twenty-four years of 
age. Our lives were so full of immediate events — and the 
terrible shock of his death, which came to me when but little 
more than a child, crowded out all memory of his former 
experiences and his capture, if he ever recounted them to me 
in detail — and I was oblivious of the incident of the sword 
until his? cousin. Mrs. Margaret Said Gail, wrote me that she 
had been seeking for it for years, and at last was rewarded by 
finding its faithful keeper. She asked if I would be willing 
4 



^'io Bull Run to Bull Run. 

for her to have it, to which I assented, not through any indif- 
ference, I do assure you, but through a spirit of unselfish 
wilHngness to yield to her a trophy so coveted, and indeed 
deserved, by her for her perseverance in securing it. I greatly 
appreciate your kind thoughtfulness in requesting my con- 
sent before handing it to Mrs. Gail, and let me thank you, 
Captain Baylor, for keeping so sacredly the promise you 
made to your prisoner, which shows wonderful integrity of 
character, and which has given such satisfaction, even if 
melancholy in sentiment, to his beloved ones. It greatly 
enhances its value — and if I erred in supposing you were one 
of his own loyal officers, I take great pleasure in recognizing 
you as an honorable officer in a " cause which you believed 
just " — and the differences that existed then, are, I hope, 
obliterated by years and the common call which unites our 
whole country to-day against the most cruel monarchy of 
Europe. Very respectfully and gratefully yours, 

Virginia Darrell Grafton. 

After receiving this letter, the sword was forwarded by 
express to Mrs. Gail, in Buffalo, and the following letter 
acknowledging its receipt received : 

374 Richmond Avenue, 

Buffalo, New York. 
My Dear Mr. Baylor: 

Please pardon my not writing you sooner thanking you 
for the sword. I appreciate your goodness and kindness in 
giving it to me, for it certainly was noble in you to give it up, 
for I know it must have been dear to you, having been in 
your possession so long. My son was more than happy the 
day it came, and it now hangs on the wall in his room. If 
vou or your family ever come to Buffalo, my husband and I 
will be pleased to return the kindness you have done us. My 
daughter was delighted to make you a member of the " Red 
Cross Society." I think she wrote you yesterday. Thanking 
you again, I remain very respectfully, 

Margaret S. Gail. 

There is an incident connected with the Front Royal raid, 
told me by Dr. R. C. Buck, then a boy in his teens, worthy 
of narration here : 




Daniel F. Eell. 



^2 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Dr. William Alarsliall, now a resident of Alilford, Delaware, 
was at the time of this raid surgeon of the Third Delaware 
regiment, and from all I know and have heard of him, a very 
estimable gentleman. While this regiment was stationed at 
Front Royal he had taken comfortable quarters at the resi- 
dence of Air. William Buck (father of Dr. R. C. Buck), just 
south of the town, and was ver}- much esteemed by the Buck 
family for his uniform courtesy and kindness. On the morn- 
ing of the raid he said to Airs. Buck, " It may appear silly 
to you for me to say it, but I dreamed last night of being 
captured 1)}' the busliii'liackcrs, and it has made such a strong 
impression on my mind that I cannot throw it off." Mrs. 
Buck laughingly told him, " WHiy, Doctor, you should wear 
your green sash for protection." " Oh," he replied, " I dis- 
like to be decked out with gingerbread decorations." As he 
left the house after breakfast Mrs. Buck requested him to 
bring her a bottle of vinegar out of his hospital supplies, 
which he promised to do. He had visited his patients at the 
hospital, and was walking down the street on the road to 
dinner, when the Rebs entered the town, and seeing his 
shoulder straps, supposed him an officer of rank in the line 
and gobbled him up. Speedily mounting him on a horse, 
without saddle or Ijridle, his captor seized the halter-strap, 
and the Doctor was hustled out of town in a mode and man- 
ner not the most agreeable. Wdien about three miles south of 
the town, the enemy still driving us, the Doctor having been 
bounced up and down until his agony had become unen- 
durable, in desperation he slipped oft' the rump of the horse, 
made for the bushes and escaped. Dr. Buck says, having 
heard of the Doctor's capture, he promptly claimed his 
pistol and sword, which were left in his room at his father's 
house, as his part of the spoils, l)ut, unfortunately for him, 
just as the sun was sinking behind the hills, in walked the 
Doctor, dusty and dirty, and while he was pleased to see him, 
could not but feel a l)oy's disappointment at not being- the 
possessor of the pistol and sword. The Doctor's experience 



Bull Run to Hull k'uii. 55 

with the busliwhackers, as he is pleased to term us. seems not 
to have 1)een very ])leasant. as he writes me that " my 
escape — that is. the manner thereof being known, too well 
known to you to forget, suffice it to say that I bear the marks 
in my own body." A\'hat he means by this I am unable to 
divine; as I am credibh- informed he was not wounded, he 
must have suffered ill-effects from his bare-back ride. If he 
uses this figure of speech to express his utter abhorrence of 
the wild IMazeppa ride on that occasion. I cannot find fault 
with him for so doing. If he still treasures up the wrong 
against me. it mav be some consolation for him to know that 
his people, in the February following, gave me a bare-back 
ride in return. 

" For time at last sets all things even — 

And if we do but watch the hour, 

There never yet was human power 
Which could evade, if unforgiven. 

The patient search and vigil long 

Of him who treasures up a wrong." 

On our return to Luray, the company met with an ovation 
and were feasted right royally. All doubts as to our fighting 
qualities were now removed, and Company B was on the 
ladder of fame. Mr. Lionberger very frankly congratulated 
me. and was ever after a warm friend and admirer, and one 
of his fair daughters composed and set to music a little song 
dedicated to the " Baylor Light Horse." Only one verse 
can now be recalled : 

" At a town among the mountains. 
Where amid the sparkling fountains 

Camped a host of Yankees in their boasted might. 
Baylor boldly charged among them: 
From their sleep he did arouse them. 

And. like Murat, rode bravely thro' the fight. 

CHORUS. 

" Come, come, come boys, come. 

Come all ye who'd live in story. 

He will lead you to glory 
. O'er fields cold and gory. 
He'll lead you. boys, where honor's to be won." 



5^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

The good people of Front Royal after this dash, and during 
the war, receix'ed us with great kindness, and the resident 
survivors of that contiict still refer to this incident with pride, 
as showing the daring of our soldier boys. 

The efTect of this raid was such that on the day following 
Front Royal was evacuated, and the garrison retired to 
Winchester, thus opening to our raids the entire lower Valley. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Thrice hath the lone owl hooted. 

And thrice the panther cried, 
And swifter through the darkness 

The pale brigade shall ride; 
No trumpet sounds its coming, 

And no drum-beat stirs the air, 
But noiseless in their vengeance, 

They wreak it everywhere. 



Ku Kh(.r. 



Returning to camp from the Front Royal raid, our horses 
and ourselves were rested and prepared for another escapade 
down the Valley, and as I have in my possession a letter 
written at the time by a distinguished member of our com- 
pany, giving a full and detailed account of our trip in that 
section, I will adopt it as a much more accurate account of 
our doings and proceedings than I could write after such a 
lapse of time : 

Harrisonburg, August 26. 1862. 
Messrs. Editors: 

In a letter written two weeks ago, giving you an account 
of the expedition of the " Baylor Light Horse " into the town 
of Front Royal, I promised that the company should be 
heard from again very soon. I am now seated to redeem my 
promise, by furnishing you with an account of our recent 
successful expedition into the county of Jefferson — the land 
of our childhood and the beloved home of our riper years. 

On Wednesday last Company B, under the command of 
Lieutenant Milton Rouss, was ordered from camp at Harri- 
sonburg to Mount Jackson, for the purpose of relieving 
Captain Rinker's company from picket duty. We encamped 
for the night on Rude's Hill, and arrived at Mt. Jackson at 
an earlv hour on Thursdav morning. But our young officers 
[55] 



56 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

could not brook the idea of remaining so far from the enemy, 
and determined to make a trip down the Valley. Leaving 
a sufificient picket force for the post, under the command of 
a sergeant, the balance of the company (30 men, with Lieu- 
tenants Rouss, Baylor, of Front Royal renown, and Roland) 
proceeded towards the point of proposed operations. 

Thursday night was spent in the beautiful and hospitable 
village of Woodstock, where all that was necessary for our 
bodily comfort was done. Smiles and sweet notes of music 
from accomplished ladies nerved us for the task undertaken, 
and we left Woodstock at noon on Friday in the best possi- 
ble spirits — some say under the influence of a variety of 
spirits. But, 'pon 'onor, that must be a mistake. We 
reached Strasburg in time to partake of a bountiful supper 
served up by mine host. Mr. Richardson, and at nightfall 
resumed our march. We reached the village of Newtown at 
10 o'clock, and were met enthusiasticalty by almost the 
entire population, men. women and children. Some refresh- 
ments were partaken of. and then towards Yankee soldiers 
we again proceeded. (It may be proper here to remark, for 
the benefit of some of your readers, that Newtown is on the 
Valley turnpike, eight miles from Winchester, where the 
enemy's force consists of one brigade of infantry, one com- 
pany of artillery, and 290 cavalry. The pickets on this road 
are posted one mile from Winchester.) 

It may be improper, for the purposes of our officers, that 
I should discover to your curious readers the route we took 
from Newtown. It may be possible that we camped for a 
few hours in Hampshire county, and it may be that we did 
not. But I will remark that we travelled nearly all night in 
almost complete silence, the only sounds heard being those 
occasioned by our horses pounding through brush and rock- 
breaks. We arrived, a few minutes before daylight, at the 
place selected for our camping, and sunrise found us snugly 
ensconced in the bushes, in close proximity to the hospitable 

mansions of some of the most loyal men in the lower Valley. 

I 




Charles J. Berry. 



38 Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

Here we (juietly remained, holding onr position, until the 
afternoon of Saturday, when we emerged from our conceal- 
ment, and proceeded in the direction of the Winchester and 
Potomac railroad, Lieutenant Rouss having determined to 
capture the mail train, if within the range of human possi- 
bility. The point arrived at was midway between Summit 
Point and Wade's Depot, at each of which places the enemy 
had a force of 80 infantry and tive cavalry. The distance 
between the two depots is four miles, hence in either direc- 
tion we were only two miles from the enemy. At 4 o'clock 
the road was reached, and in a few minutes the sound of the 
engine was heard. And now began the exciting hour. The 
music of the engine fell with more consoling effect upon our 
tired banfl than the sweetest strains from lovely women. 
Eagerness was depicted upon every countenance, and proud 
anticipations were indulged in, in \-iew of the prospect:i\e 
reward. A quick disposition was made of our force, and 
obstructions were at once placed on the track to bring the 
train to a halt. On came the train, wliich had now reached 
within 100 yards of the obstruction. The command was 
given to halt, but the frightened engineer took no heed of 
the command. A fire was at once opened upon the speeding 
train from more than a dozen revolvers, and in a moment the 
obstruction was reached, and the train came to a dead halt. 
The engineer was at once dethroned, and the cars entered. 
The first thing to be done was to secure the Yankee sohliers 
on board, eight in number, who were on their way to join 
their companies in Winchester. The poor creatures looked 
the picture of astonishment and despair, and submitted with- 
out resistance to the " rebel boys."' A few citizens were on 
board, but as there was no possible use to which they could 
be put, they were permitted to go on their way rejoicing 
only, I guess, that their lives had been spared. The agent 
of the Adams Express Company, in an attempt to escape, 
was shot at and badly wounded in the thigh. The express car 
was entered and a rich exhibition unfolded itself to our almost 



Bull Run It) Hull Run. 5^ 

faniisliini;- l)oys. Baskets of chainpa^ne, l)()xes of delicions 
peaches, apples, pears, orans^es, lemons, etc., were discovered, 
and " pitched into." Never did men partake of good things 
with better appetites. The hoys drank to the health of every- 
l)0(h- in general, and their sweethearts in particnlar, and 
jollity and good cheer reigned snpreme. ( )ne individual of 
mv acquaintance, very near to me. ha\ing surfeited himself 
on champagne, compelled the alarmed engineer to tap a 
ten-gallon keg of cider, hold it up for him, and then with 
a gusto he drank to the health of " Jeff. Davis, the Southern 
Confederacy, and my sweetheart only a few miles off." But 
we had not made the dash simply for the puri)ose of securing 
eatables and drinkables. Something else was to be done. 
The express safe was opened, and United States money, to 
the amount of $4,000, consigned to some Federal paymaster 
at W^inchester, was extracted, together with a number of 
other valuable articles. The United States mail was also 
secured, containing, amongst other documents, official dis- 
patches from General Pope to Brigadier-General White, 
commanding at Winchester. These dispatches have l)een 
forwarded to General Jackson, and will doubtless prove of 
great value to the. old hero. A number of letters to different 
parties came into our possession, many of which will be 
valuable as soon as our troops regain entire possession of 
the \'alley. All the valuables having been secured, nothing 
was left to be done at this point but to destroy the cars. 
Fires were built in the two passenger cars and one express 
car, and the pine piled on to facilitate the burning. And 
here a sigh involuntarily escaped from some of us. To see 
the old " low-back cars," upon which many of us had made 
pleasant journeys, consigned to the devouring element, 
brought up in memory's train remembrances of " Lang 
Syne," and thoughts of mothers and sisters near came rush- 
ing over us, for the old train had been the medium of many 
happy hours and pleasant communications between us and 
home. I felt the force of these reflections sensibly, but duty 



6o Bull Run to Bull Riiii. 

dictated that all the damage possible should be done our 
ruthless invaders. The old cars burned magnificently, and 
the fiery tongue of the flames seemed almost to lick the lower 
clouds. Good-bye, old Winchester train, you survive now- 
only in memory — your uncouth but always pleasant form is 
now consigned to the past. 

A full head of steam was put on the engine, and with the 
furnace heated " ten times hotter than it was wont to be," 
the old machine was started in the direction of Winchester. 
No tales could be told, for she was entirely unoccupied. The 
progress of the engine up the track, as far as could be seen, 
was rich indeed. The old thing went thundering along, and 
the unevenness of the track caused " der machine " to tumble 
up and down in a promiscuous manner. How far she went, 
and what was thought of her progress, I do not pretend to 
say. The engineer declared it was a ruined institution, and 
that the trip would exhaust all the vitality the old thing had 
remaining in her. Farewell, old friend ! you have been 
blowing a long while, but your career is now ended. The 
uses to which you have been of late months put have been 
too base, and your fate is a fitting one for your sinning. You 
are now beyond the hand of Federal resurrection, or rather 
reconstruction, as the Yankees will have it. The telegraph 
pole was now ascended, the wire disengaged from the pole, 
and destroyed for a distance of more than 200 }-ar(ls. At the 
time of cutting the wire a message was being sent over the 
line. A " stop " was certainly put to that proceeding — a stay 
in the execution of some \'illainous design. And now we 
determined to leave this point, but not to beat a retreat 
towards the upper Valley yet. Lieutenant Roland, with 13 
men, took charge of the prisoners, and started back by the 
route we came, whilst the 17 remaining men, under Lieu- 
tenants Rouss and Baylor, determined to penetrate farther 
into the enemy's country. The track was crossed, and " for 
Smithfield " was the rallying cry. Smithfield is in the county 
of Jefferson, six miles from Charlestown, 14 from Winches- 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 6i 

ter. and five miles in the direction of the Potomac from the 
point where the track was crossed. Approaching the town 
in a slow trot, we had arrived within about a half-mile of the 
place, when the blue uniforms of the Yankee pickets were 
discovered. Our gait was unchecked, and the pickets 
seemed not at all disturbed, thinking, of course, we were a 
scouting party of their men. They did not discover their 
error until we had approached within 20 yards of them. The 
command to charge was given, and in an instant the three 
pickets w^ere ours, together with their horses, equipments, 
etc., they not having had time to fire a shot at us. On ques- 
tioning them, it was found that the force in town was 14. 
The charge was ordered, and thundering into the town went 
the boys. The Yankees were taken completely by surprise, 
only one man having time to mount his horse, and he being 
speedily overtaken. They failed to fire a shot, and w'e had 
the extreme satisfaction of knowing that 17 rebel cavalry 
had surprised and captured 17 Yankees of the same branch 
of the service without having had a shot fired at them. The 
spoils at this point were 17 horses, some of them very fine 
ones; 20 revolvers, Colt's army and navy pattern, of the 
finest quality, nearly new; 5 Sharpe's carbines, in splendid 
condition; 18 Yankee saddles, bridles, and other trappings, 
such as were just necessary to make our company the best- 
equipped one in the regiment; also, a large number of gum 
overcoats, blankets, etc. 

And now the time had arrived for us to commence our 
retreat, if such it might be called, as we were all loaded down 
with Yankee prisoners and plunder. I will not be indiscreet 
enough to tell what hole we creeped out of, for it might be 
stopped up should I do so. I will state, how^ever, for the 
benefit of the " Feds," that we were not far from Winchester, 
and at midnight saw the camp-fires on Shultz's Hill, from 
which we were distant only three miles ! We camped for one 
hour, at .daybreak, only five miles from old Winchester, 
towards which place many of us directed longing eyes and 



62 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

anxious thoughts. But we hope to be there soon and wiU 
not occupy ourselves with useless repining. The retreat was 
conducted with great discretion and we arrived safely in 
camp with our booty on Alonda}- morning, having travelled 
a1:»out 1/5 miles^ in three days and been in our saddles two 
nights. 

It is inferred that the boldness of our dash caused a 
fluttering amongst the Yankees along the line of the road. 
It is fair to presume that General White became considerably 
whiter and that old Wool presented a more sheepish appear- 
ance than ever. 

I have thus hastily, Mr. Editor, given you a few incidents 
of the trip. The roughness with which they are thrown 
together and detailed must be forgiven. I am tired and 
exhausted, and will endeavor to do better next time. 

\\nien Company B makes another raid down the Valley 
I will try and be on hand to furnish you an account of their 
doings. I am truly, yours, H. D. B. 

P. S. — Since the above was written information has 
been received to the eft'ect that the raid on the train caused 
the greatest consternation in Winchester. Preparations were 
at once made to evacuate the town, and a cavalry force of 200 
men was sent out in search of the audacious rebels. , Berry- 
ville, Wade's, and Summit Point were visited by the cavalry, 
with the hope of finding our boys. But the birds had flown, 
and General White failed to trace the direction they had 
taken. The engine, after performing a variety of antics, 
came to a dead halt three miles from Winchester, and expired 
from sheer exhaustion. H. D. B. 

The enemy's account of this aft'air will be found in the 
following telegrams and reports : 

Baltimore, August 24, 1862. 
Hon. P. H. Watson, 

Assistant Secretary of War : 
We have advices that yesterday at 4 P. M. a squadron 
of the enemy's cavalry stopped the passenger train between 




James C. Conklyn. 



64 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Harper's Ferry and Winchester, took the agent of Adams 
express and ah on board prisoners except two, who escaped, 
and burned the train and cut the telegraph wire. The com- 
mand of Lieutenant MiHing, at Smithfield, a point west of 
the Winchester road, and on the route to Martinsburg, was 
captured during the evening. 

John W. Garrett, President. 



Winchester, Va., August 2t^, 1862. 
Major-General Pope : 

The raih'oad train from Harper's Ferry to this place was 
fired into and burned this afternoon, the mail captured and 
telegraph wire cut; a few soldiers coming here w^ere taken. 
With what mounted force I can muster, I am trying to inter- 
cept the marauders. This may be nothing more than a raid 
of bushwhackers, or it may indicate movements of the enemy 
down the Valley. I give you the facts for whatever they are 
worth. Julius White, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 



Winchester, Va., August 24, 1862. 
Major-General Pope : 

The railroad train from Harper's Ferry to this place was 
captured and burnt by a party of Ashby's cavalry last even- 
ing and the telegraph cut. I have had the latter repaired. 
Workmen are clearing the track and repairing • the road. 
What mounted men I can command are in pursuit of the 
enemy. Julius White, 

Brigadier-General Commanding. 



Washington, D. C, August 25. 1862. 
Major-General Pope: 

Ascertain, if possible, if the enemy is not moving down 
the Shenandoah Valley. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 



Camp Bolivar, August 25, 1862 
To Colonel Dixon S. Miles: 

Sir, — In obedience to an order received from Captain 
Henrv A. Cole, commanding battalion, bearing date August 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 65 

4, 1862, I proceeded to Sniiihfield with 20 men for the pur- 
pose of picketing, as well as to arrest all returned rebel 
soldiers, capture their horses, arms, and also to keep all con- 
traband articles from being conveyed to the enemy. Which 
duties I performed until Saturday evening, August 23d, 
when we w^ere surprised by Baylor's rebel cavalry. My 
pickets were first captured by them. They then charged 
through the village, capturing the following of my men — 

viz., , making 17 in all, and had it not been that I had 

with me on duty Sergeant \\'inters and two men, we would 
in all probability be with them. The rebels numbered from 
30 to 40. R. H. Milling, 

First Lieutenant, Commanding Pickets, 

This honest and truthful report, it seems, was not very 
satisfactory to Colonel Miles, for he writes Lieutenant-Col- 
onel William D. Whipple, Assistant Adjutant-General, as 
follows : 

Harper's Ferry, Va., August 25, 1862. 

Sir, — I have the honor to receive a report of Lieutenant 
Milling, of the Maryland cavalry, of the loss of 17 men, while 
on picket at Smithfield, Va., on the 23d instant. This ofiticer 
was esteemed trustworthy and attentive, and he w-as par- 
ticularly charged to be vigilant and on the alert against sur- 
prise. His report is unsatisfactory, and he deserves signal 
punishment. I would advise his name to be stricken from 
the rolls of the army. I am, Colonel, 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

D. S. Miles, 
Colonel Second Lifantry, Commanding. 

General \\'ool indorses the above recommendation: 

Headquarters Eighth Army Corps, 

Baltimore, August 28, 1862. 

Respectfully forwarded with remarks of Colonel Miles, 
and recommend that First-Lieutenant R. H. Milling be dis- 
missed the service. 



66 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Adjutant-General L. Thomas forwarded it to the Secretary 
of War with indorsement as follows : 

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with 
recommendation that the officer be dismissed the service. 

It was approved by the Secretary of War and poor Milling 
dismissed without a hearing, and solely because he was the 
creature of unfortunate circumstances. There w'as no lack 
of vigilance on his part, his pickets were on post and surprised 
w^ithout his fault, and his reserve captured while he was oft 
on duty. The frankness and candor of his report ought to 
have commended him, and I feel confident that the Federal 
service in the dismissal of Lieutenant Milling lost a good and 
worthy officer. 

On our retreat from Smithfield, we took the route by 
Bunker Hill and around through "Apple Pie Ridge," cross- 
ing the Northwestern Grade a few miles w-est of Winchester, 
making a complete circuit around General White and 
striking the Valley turnpike near Middletown. While we 
were passing round west of Winchester, General White's 
cavalry were scouring the country east, to intercept us. 



CHAPTER \'. 

Their eyes are flames of fire. They roll in search of the land. Their 
mighty hands aie on their swords. Lightning pours from their sides 
of steel. They come like streams from the mountains; each rushes 
roaring from the hills. — Ossimi. 

After the ca|)tiire of the train of cars and Lieutenant 
Mining's command. Company B was not long idle. Moving 
down the Valley and taking lodgement in the counties of 
Clarke and Jefferson, it continued to harass the enemy on 
every favorable occasion. His pickets and outposts were 
daily attacked, and communication l)etween Winchester and 
Harper's Ferry broken until the 2d of September, when 
General White, who commanded the former ])ost. unable to 
keej) the way open, became scj much alarmed, that, after 
spiking many of his larger guns and destro}ing a large 
amount of his stores and ammunition, he hastily evacuated 
Winchester and retired on Harper's Ferry, by way of Mar- 
tinsburg, when there was only actually threatening him 
about 100 men of our company. This move led to his cap- 
ture and the ca})ture of his command on the 15th following. 
The situation is l)est described in his own report to (leneral 
Halleck : 

^Iartixsbirg. W. \'.\.. September 6. 1862. 

General : I have the honor to report, that in accordance 
with the telegraphic order of ^Major-General Halleck, of the 
2d instant, the troops under my command evacuated the 
fortifications near Winchester, Va.. on the evening of the 
same day, falling back on Harper's Ferry without opposition, 
and arriving there on the afternoon of the 3d instant. Owing 
to deficiency in transportation and the imperative nature of 
the order, (7.s^ well as flic authenticated presence of three or four 
brigades of the enemy in the Valley, it was impracticable to 
bring awa\' all of the go\-ernment ])ropert_\' accumulated at 

[67] 



68 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

the post. The four 32-poiindei's. mounted on the works, it 
was found impossible to remove with the requisite celerity, 
and they were in consequence spiked, the muzzles and sights 
battered, the trunnions strained, and balls wedged in the 
bores. The carriages were broken and burned. All of the 
ammunition which could be conveyed by rail was so re- 
moved, leaving about one-third in the main works, which 
was fired and the works almost entirely destroyed by the 
explosion. The well was choked. Of quartermaster stores 
some 70,000 pounds of forage was destroyed, and of the 
commissary stores some 60,000 rations, accumulated for the 
defence of the place. These, as well as the tools, etc., used 
in constructing the works and the property of the several 
commands, which they were imable to transport, were 
burned. 

I am, sir, your very obedient servant, 

Julius White, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Brigadier-General Cullum, Chief of StafT. 

Poor White ! He magnified one compan}' into three 
brigades, and in his great haste to get away, his imagination 
created intentions and embodied form's of things unknown to 
him. The guns were verv slightly injured, and a large amount 
of property, consisting of guns, ammunition, clothing, forage, 
175 to 200 barrels of bacon, and other valuable stores, fell 
into our hands. The good people of Winchester laid in their 
winter supply of meat and groceries. Colonel Mallory, in 
his testimony before the court-martial ordered to try General 
White for so hastily evacuating Winchester, says : " There 
were abandoned about 120,000 rations and about 190 to 200 
barrels of bacon." The testimony of the various witnesses 
before this court-martial show how greatly our little force 
had impressed the enemy. 

Colonel Thomas H. Ford testifies : " Question. Do you 
know or not, whether there was not a force of the enemy 
constantly around Winchester all the time we were there? 
Answ^er. I do know there was. I know our pickets were 
attacked almost everv night. I do not think there was a 




Chas. C. Conklyn. 



JO Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

night passed, l)ut what you directed me to detail one or more 
companies to reinforce pickets. We could hear the firing on 
our pickets." 

Question by General White: "Were there not frequent 
skirmishes with parties of the enemy by parties I sent oft' for 
that purpose? Answer. Yes, sir." 

Major A. W. Corliss testifies: " Question. Was it not well 
known that the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry was in our imme- 
diate vicinity for at least a week or ten days prior to the 
exacuation? Answer. I never heard the number of the regi- 
ment: I know there was a regiment about there." 

Lieutenant Carness testifies: "Question. Was there a 
cavalry force immediately about Winchester? Answer. Yes, 
sir. Question. Was it in sufticient force to have taken pos- 
session of ^^'inchester and any stores that we might have left 
there at the time of the evacuation? Answer. Yes, sir. 
Question. Do you know whether they did so or not after we 
left? Answer. According to the best information I have got, 
they were in there about the time we were out." 

On September 2d, the day General \\ hite e\'acuated Win- 
chester, about 9 A. M., with six men, we attacked the 
enemy's picket near Keyes Ford, a short distance south of 
Harper's Ferry, taking eight prisoners, with their horses 
and equipments, without loss. The Federal account of this 
little dash is as follows: 

Tuesday, September 2, 1862. 
Lieutenant Bierney, with an orderly, went to Keyes 
Ford to ascertain the truth of the reported capture of Cole's 
cavalry pickets, and ascertained the facts to be as follows : A 
party of 25 Confederate cavalry dashed down the Kabletown 
or River road and captured the outer vidette, a quarter of a 
mile from his comrades, and forced him to inform them of 
the position of the others, who were at that time in a corn- 
shed, dismounted. They dashed in and captured the party 
without resistance on the part of our pickets. This party 



Bull Run It) Bull Run. yi 

of Confederate cavalry was led by a Lieutenant Baylor, son 
of the notorious Captain Baylor, or Colonel IJaylor, who 
was killed at the battle of Winchester. 

My father had been severely wounded April 27, 1862, at 
McGaheysville, and reported by the enemy as killed, and no 
doubt this gave rise to the statement aboxe. 

On September 4th, Lieutenant-Colonel Alassie, with 
Company I, of our regiment, and a squadron of the Eleventh 
Virginia Cavalry, joined us at Bunker Hill, and on the 5th 
moved down near Darkesville. On the 6th, our company 
drove in the enemy's pickets on the Martinsburg turnpike, a 
short distance from the town, capturing eight prisoners. 
Ascertaining that the force at Martinsburg was too strong 
for us, we began retiring, and had reached Darkesville, when 
suddenly the enemy charged our rear. Company B, covering 
the retreat, soon faced about, met the enemy's charge and 
repulsed it, taking some dozen prisoners, killing the lieu- 
tenant-colonel and 12 men of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. 
The Colonel's saddle and bridle graced my horse the re- 
mainder of the war, and was allow-ed me at the surrender. 
But the enemy, greatly outnumbering us, charged a second 
time, broke our column, and after a severe struggle, routed 
our force and pursued it nearly to Bunker Hill. ' 

On September 6, 1862, Lieutenant Bierney reports: 

" Colonel Voss, with the Twelfth Lllinois Cavalry, met the 
enemy, and after a severe light, routs them and takes 43 
prisoners, horses and equipments. The enemy's loss was 15 
killed and a large number wounded. Colonel Voss loses two 
killed and 12 wounded." 

And Colonel Voss in his report says " he had the Twelfth 
Illinois Cavalry, four companies of the Sixty-fifth Illinois 
Infantry, and a section of Captain Phillips's liattery. The 
enemy's loss was 41 prisoners and 25 killed. We had none 
killed, 13 wounded, most of them badly, and one prisoner." 

I do not now remember the loss on our side beyond that in 



72 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

our company, which was two prisoners, not actually in the 
fight, but captured at a house near by, while getting a lunch. 
I am sure, however, it was not as large as claimed by the 
enemy in the above reports. 

On the /th. Company B took up position near Charles- 
town, and remained there until the morning of the I3tfi, 
when we were attacked by four companies of the First New 
York Cavalry about a mile west of the town, and after a sharp 
brush the enemy retired. In this encounter Lieutenant 
Rouss and Cardfy Selden were wounded. About noon we 
again entered Charlestown and followed the enemy to Hall- 
town. While occupying a position near Halltown, we were 
surprised at seeing General Jackson's advance approaching 
on the Martinsburg road, en route to Harper's Ferry. From 
them we learned that our troops were moving on Maryland 
and Loudoun Heights and investing Harper's Ferry. On 
the 14th, Colonel Massie coming up. the cavalry was assigned 
to duty on the left of Jackson's line, which position we held 
during the investment and until the surrender of the enemy, 
on the morning of the 15th. 

The sight at Harper's Ferry on the night of the 14th was 
grand. Our batteries on Maryland and Loudoun Heights 
and on School-House Hill were playing on Miles's forces, 
now shut up in a narrow space along Bolivar Heights, and 
the pyrotechnic display was mag"nificent. Li the early 
morning our infantry line and artillery began moving up 
the slope to Bolivar Heights, and soon the enemy, driven 
out of his works, took refuge on the eastern slope of the 
ridge in easy range of our batteries on Maryland and Lou- 
doun Heights. Early in the action the white flag appeared, 
and Miles surrendered; but before we could signal our bat- 
teries on the Heights to cease firing, Miles was killed by a 
bursting shell, and General White completed the terms of 
surrender. Jackson's loss at Harper's Ferry was very small. 
The enemy lost, besides killed and wounded, 11,000 
prisoners. 13,000 small-arms, j^ pieces of artillery, 200 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 7J 

wagons, and a large amount of stores. General Miles, antici- 
pating the surrender of his forces, had issued all the clothing 
in stock, and on the 15th, when the Federal troops were 
drawn up in line preparatory to surrender, they all appeared 
in new suits, and made quite an imposing display in contrast 
with our foot-sore, weary, and ragged veterans. As our 
troops were passing in front of the Federal column and the 
Yankees and our men were guying each other, a " blue- 
belly " called out, '* Hello, Johnny, why don't you wear 
better clothes? " and in an instant came the retort from an 
old North Carolinian, '' These are good enough to kill 
hogs in." 

The Federal prisoners were paroled, and, Jackson having 
finished his work at Harper's Ferry, on the 15th we took up 
our Hne of march for Sharpsburg, and took part in that 
memorable engagement, and found it an exceedingly hot 
contest. We were, with three companies of our regiment, 
placed in a position to protect one of our batteries — the 
most tiwing duty of a soldier on the field of battle. After a 
severe conflict, both sides became exhausted and seemed 
Avilling to rest from their labors. 

On the 1 8th, Company B was ordered back to Harper's 
Ferry, with instructions to picket the Potomac at that point 
and report any movement of the enemy in that direction. 
This position was held by our company until the enemy 
crossed in force and drove us back to Halltown. We re- 
mained at Halltown until the i6th of October, when a 
column of the enemy under General Hancock advanced, and, 
after a brisk fight just east of Charlestown, our small force 
of cavalry under Colonel IMumford was driven back, and 
Charlestown was occupied by the enemy. 

On the afternoon of the 17th, General Hancock withdrew 
his command to Harper's Ferry, and Charlestown was again 
occupied by us and pickets posted at Halltown. General 
McClellan having now crossed the Potomac east of the Blue 
Ridee, beean his march southward, and General Lee, who 



74 I^iill /^'I'l to Bull Run. 

had been resting- his army near Bnnker Hill, moved across 
the mountains to confront him, Init our company was left 
at its post. 

On November ist, while our comi)any reserve was occupy- 
ing a little woods on the Brown farm, we were surprised in 
our camp in the early morning b}- a dash made b_\' the 
enemy's cavalry. Our horses were unsaddled and unbridled 
and tied to trees. 'Awakening- from our slumbers and real- 
izing- the situation, we fought the enemy on foot and dro\'e 
them out of camp and o\'er a hill in our front; then, while 
keeping up a hre with a few men, the others retired to camp, 
saddled, bridled, and mounted, and, making a charge on 
the enemy, drove them back to Halltown. Just in front of 
Mr. Shaeffer's house my horse received a fatal wound and I 
a slight one in the calf of my leg, which was not sufficient to 
render me ]u)rs dc combat. 

I led the noble animal, which I dearly loved, and whose 
very life seemed bound to mine b}- dangers shared and daily 
companionship, to the roadside, where she laid down on the 
green turf. Her breathing too plainly indicated that death 
was near. As her eyes rested on me in fondness and affec- 
tion, human nature could not resist, and, kneeling down 
bv her side, and clasping my arms about her neck, I wept. 
When I arose she was dead. She d-ied, and with her life 
passed away my hopes and aspirations for her whose name 
she bore. The dream of my young life vanished, and the 
hopes of the future were dissipated. 

The enemy having made a stand at Halltown, our com- 
pany passed unobserved to the south of the turnpike, in the 
rear of Rion Hall, coming in their rear just east of the town, 
and, making a dash, routed and drove them in confusion over 
the hills. In this fracas we captured seven prisoners. This 
force proved to be Cole's Cavalry battaliop. 

After this occurrence matters remained quiet in our front 
until the first part of December, when a column under Gen- 
eral Gearv, about 5,000 strong, advanced on Charlestown. 




Charles L. Crane. 



76 Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

Just east of the town we engaged his advance, and after a 
spirited contest, were driven l)ack. In this hght. Sergeant 
Timberlake, Richard Baylor, and Charles Isler were 
wonnded. 

The eneni}- passed through Charlestown and continued 
its route through Berryville to Winchester. Company B, 
falling- in in its rear, harassed the enemy along the route and 
captured some prisoners. Geary's cavalry (Cole's Battahon) 
kept close l)eside the infantry and could not l)e induced to 
part company. 

The remainder of our regiment was stationed at AA'inches- 
ter. and after a skirmish with the enemy, it retired south on 
the A'allc}- turnpike. 

After occupying \\'inchester one day. General Geary re- 
turned to Harper's Ferry by way of Bunker Hill, Smith- 
field, and Charlestown, ha\'ing accomplished nothing but the 
loss of some fifteen prisoners and having made a narrow 
escape from capture himself, at Charlestown, on his return, 
in a dash made on his rear Ijy our compau}-. 

In his report of this trip, he says : 

Bolivar Heights, December 6, 1862. 

Colonel : We marched by the Harper's Ferry and Win- 
chester turnpike to Charlestown, which we reached at 8:30 
A. M., coming suddenly upon two companies of the Twelfth 
Virginia Cavalry, who had taken position in vacant houses 
and in the woods about three-fourths of a mile this side of 
town. A skirmish here occurred between our advance and 
this body of the enemy, which latter prosecuted a constant 
firing for some fifteen minutes, resulting in their rout and 
the loss of four or live wounded and several horses killed. 

John W. Geary, 
Brigadier-General Commanding. 

General Geary is not very accurate in his report, as our 
force consisted of Company B alone, and we were without 
any help this side of Winchester, 22 miles away, and it is 
not usual for cavalrymen to take position in vacant houses, 



Bull Run io Bull Run. // 

and tliere were none east of town. \\'e fought the General 
in open field, about 60 men against 5,000, and, having done 
the best we could, retired in regular order through the town, 
and after he passed through we acted as his file-closers to 
\\'inchester and back again to Charlestown. We kept his 
men in line, and gave them no opportunity to plunder along 
their route. 

After a da}''s reflection. General Geary reports as follows: 

" I have the honor to report, as an addition to the report of 
the recent reconnoissance to Winchester, that in the skir- 
mish near Charlestown among the rebels wounded were 
Lieutenant Baylor, who had his arm blown olT, and Privates 
Isler and Timberlake, all of the cavalry."' 

I am thankful to report my arms are still on, but the Gen- 
eral has no doubt confounded me wdth my brother Richard, 
whose arm was broken l)y a musket-ball. 

Company B continued to hold Charlestown, with no sup- 
port nearer than ^^'inchester, until January, 1863. On the 
20th of December, with 25 men, we moved dowm the River 
road and attacked the enemy's reser\e cavalry picket near 
the double toll-gate, just west of Bolivar Heights, capturing 
seven prisoners, horses and equipments, and as w-e were 
returning to Charlestown, at Lucas's gate, just w'est of Hall- 
town, encountered about 200 of Cole's cavalry under Col- 
onel A'ernon, who, it seems, had started out on a raid to 
Charlestown, but on hearing the cannon tiring at Bolivar 
heights had turned back to Harper's Ferry. At the lirst 
glance we supposed them to be some of our regiment from 
Winchester, sent down to look after us, but soon realized 
the true situation and prepared for an attack. Imvc of our 
men had charge of the prisoners captured, which left us only 
20 effective men. Both sides charged, we met near the cake 
and cider shop, and after a short struggle positions were 
exchanged, the enemy passing on to Harper's Ferry and we 



28 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

to Charlestown. We lirougiit off safely our se\"en prisoners, 
and wounded sexeral others of the enemy. We lost one 
prisoner in the fight. W. L. Wilson. 

The enemy al)out a mile east of Charlestown picked up my 
father, who was unarmed, still a suft'erer from his wound, 
and on a visit to some wards, but I was not aware of it 
until I returned to Charlestown. I met Colonel Cole that 
e\'ening under tlag" of truce, and after inquiring after mv 
father, proposed to him to make an exchange for him and 
Wilson, first offering him three for two, and finally offering 
his seven men for our two, but he declined. My father 
remained a prisoner from that time until late in 1864, but 
AVilson was soon exchanged and back with the compan}'. 

In a volume lately published, entitled '' History of the 
Troops from Maryland Who Served in the Northern Arm}' 
During the Civil War," and under head of " Cole's Cavalry," 
note the following: " On the 20th day of December, 1862. a 
portion of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, under a certain Cap- 
tain Baylor (who had achiexed an unenviable notoriety by 
firing upon a fiag of truce amongst his other exploits), con- 
cluded to wipe out of existence Cole's cavalry and moved 
rapidly down the Valley to surprise them. Cole's cavalry 
had, however, been promptly advised by their scouts of the 
movements, and Companies A and C. under Captain Ver- 
non, leaving their pickets in position, moved around the left 
flank to the rear of the attacking column, and although out- 
numbered, charged them, capturing Captain Baylor and a 
large part of his conmiand, driving them four miles. Cap- 
tain Baylor was subsequently tried at Harper's Ferry for his 
life for violating the laws of civilized warfare." 

If this is history, it ought certainly to be named Ananias's 
history. Ananias and Sapphira would have enjoyed the com- 
pany of another shade had this modern historian lived in 
those days and been amenable to the same law. The false- 
hood of Ananias had some of the ear-marks of truth. He 
sold a possession and kept back part of the price. He rep- 



Bull Run to Hull Run. yg 

resented he had sold a possession and tlie nione\- lie hroui^ht 
was (/// the price. His heir at law in lyin,<;-. the late historian. 
has also some of the semblance of truth in his statement. A 
tight occurred between 25 men of Company B, a portion of 
the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, under Lieutenant Baylor (my 
title then), and com|)anies A and C, of Cole's cavalrv, under 
Captain X'ernon, l)ut Captain Baylor was not in command 
nor was he captured in the tight, but was picked u]) alone 
and unarmed while at a house engaged in civil business, and 
had never tired on a flag of true or violated the laws of war, 
and it was so found by a Federal general and Secretary of 
War (a court certainly not biased in his favor), and ordered 
exchanged. 

There was no moving rapidly down the Valley to wipe out 
Cole's cavalry, for Company B, under m}- command, un- 
aided and unsupported, had occupied Charlestown for more 
than a month prior to this occasion and for more than a week 
afterwards, within eight miles of Cole's cavalry and its sup- 
port. Every opportunity was afforded them for a trial of 
combat and it was declined, while on the other hand. Cole's 
cavalrv kept cIosq within infantry ])rotection and under the 
protection of their artillery. That morning, when with 2=^ 
men its outposts were attacked, their artillery opened on 
us. 

In this fight the only member of our squad cai)ture(l was 
William L. \A'ilson. our ex-Postmaster-General (who is a 
living witness of the fact), and therefore a large part of our 
couunand Tcas not captured, unless Wilson was a large part 
thereof. The flag of truce violated was Uncle John Sorrell, 
a faithful o'd colored man of my father's, standing on our 
side of the Potomac, at Harper's Ferry, in the fall of 1861. 
calling over to the Yankees on the other side to come over 
for him. and the violation was comniittecl by five members 
of my father's company, concealed under the luiltimore and 
Ohio railroad trestling, who fired into the enemy, killing and 
wounding several of a boat-load of Federal robbers, who 



8o Bull Run to Bull Run. 

had responded to Uncle John's call. My father at the time 
was in Charlestown. It was a ruse dc guerre, planned and 
executed b}- the men engaged in it, and Uncle John was a 
mere decoy duck. This was legitimate warfare and was so 
decided by General Kelley, and his finding approved by 
Secretary Stanton. 

Christmas day was spent in Charlestown, and the boys 
w'ere the recipients of many presents at the hands of the fair 
and patriotic ladies of the town and vicinity, and all enjoyed 
the best that the county could afford. In the midst of our 
festivity and hilarity, Colonel Cole and a couple of attendants 
came in under a flag of truce bearing a Christmas gift of a 
permit from Colonel Kenly allowing my mother to enter the 
Federal lines to ^'isit my father, which was gladly accepted 
and the visit paid. luter anna leges silent, but not the hearts, 
and combatants still preserve some of their humanity, and 
occasionally extended each other little courtesies and civili- 
ties which served to ameliorate the hardships and severeties 
of war. 




Joseph Crane. 



CHAPTER \"1. 

Eternal spirit of the chainless mind! 
Brightest in dungeons, liberty, thou art! 

In the winter of 1863 otn- brigade, under command of 
General William E. Jones, encamped near New Market. 
After lying idle several wrecks, some of our boys grew rest- 
less and longed to be on the move and to break the mo- 
notony of camp life. Permission was asked cf General Jones 
for the com])an}' to make a scout in the lower \^alley, but 
the recjuest was refused on groimds we esteemed unreason- 
alile and insuf^cient. Plans w-ere then laid by some of the 
men, including Lieutenant Rouss and myself, to outgeneral 
the General. The camp-itch, a disease peculiar to soldiers 
living on hard-tack and mess-pork, was then prevalent m 
our brigade. Taking into our confidence our regimental 
surgeon. Dr. Burton, one morning about a dozen of us ap- 
peared before the surgeon's tent and made application to be 
sent to the hospital at Harrisonburg to be treated for this 
disease, and certificates were accordingly granted us. Re- 
porting to the surgeon in charge of the hospital. Dr. Wad- 
dell, a Virginia gentleman of the old type, our certificates 
were presented and we were booked as patients at that insti- 
tution. Without critical examination into our cases, some 
anointing ointment and a little bottle of Powder's Solution, 
of Arsenic was furnished each of us and permission granted 
to make our stay with friends and acquaintances in the 
vicinity of the hospital, w^ith directions to report occasiojially 
at the surgeon's of^ce. 

Having now arranged our program satisfactorily, the 
following morning we started down the Valley, determined 
to trv our hands on the Yankees in that section, well assured 
[82 ] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 83 

that a successful venture would make the amende honorable 
and sufficient excuse with our officers for our little deviation 
from the line of military rectitude. Our little band of about 
a baker's dozen was composed of Lieutenant Rouss, John 
Chew. Billy Manning, Charlie Henderson, Charlie Crane, 
John Yates, John Coleman, George Crayton, Billy Gibson, 
Up Manning, Joe Crane, Duck English, and mvself. We 
crossed the mountain to Luray and passed through Front 
Royal, stopping at regular intervals with friends along the 
route. 

February 12th found us at Summit Point, where informa- 
tion was received of a small scouting party of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, numbering 21 men, passing that place 
a short time before our arrival, going in the direction of 
Middleway or Smithfield. The Federal troops at that time 
occupied Winchester and various points in that vicinity, and 
daily sent scouts to the outlying country. This information 
greatl}' pleased us, and off we started in pursuit of the 
Yankee scouting party. Passing " Happ)' Retreat," the 
abode of one of our sweethearts, we were urged not to pur- 
sue, as the enemy was too strong for us, but we had travelled 
60 miles in hunt of a fracas, and nothing could dissuade us. 
In fact, we were spoiling for a fight. 

As Middlewa\' is approached from the direction of 
Summit Point, there is a straight stretch of road, probably a 
mile in extent, just before entering the town. Here the 
enemy was in full view, slowly sauntering along, totally 
oblivious of the fact that any foe was in the vicinity. Near- 
ing the hill just south of the town, our gait was accelerated, 
our pistols made ready, and we struck its rear, with the 
head of its column just over the hill. So intent were they 
in conversation and so unmindful of our presence, that the 
rear file was shot down and we were pressing into the 
column before they were aware of danger. 

No resistance was made, but pell-mell down through the 
town they ran, with our little band, yelling like hyenas, in 



<^^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

close pursuit, suft'ering- mostly from their mud-pelting", and 
closing- the race at the toll-gate just north of the town. 
In their mad rush for liljerty and freedom they knocked over 
an old woman's churn in front of her house and sprinkled 
the street with her l:)uttermilk. As the result of the fight 
four were killed, three wounded, seven men and ii horses 
and e(|uipments captured, with no casualty on our side. The 
dead and wounded were left on the field. \Mth the prison- 
ers and horses we returned to Summit Point, and thence 
down to Locke's shop, where a stop was made to let Lieu- 
tenant Rouss have his horse shod. Fatal stop. The smith 
had nearly completed the job when a body of Yankee cavalry 
was seen approaching from the direction of Charlestown. 
The prisoners with horses and small guard were hurried 
down Locke's lane, and with a handful of men a dash was 
made on the advance of the enemy's column, to hold it 
in check a few moments, to give prisoners, captured horses, 
and guard a little start. The movement w^as more success- 
ful than we anticipated, as the head of the column was 
broken and thrown into confusion. In this charge, John 
Chew and Charlie Crane displayed conspicuous gallantry. 

The prisoners and horses had now gotten a pretty good 
distance in advance. We therefore fell back, in good order, 
down by Locke's house, through the Griggs place, striking 
the public road leading east to Feagan's mill and west to 
Summit Point turnpike. Here the advance, instead of turning 
east as it should have done, followed the road westward until 
reaching an angle in rear of Slifer farm, and then attempted 
to rectify the mistake by striking across his farm. At the 
first cross-fence the Yankee horses refused to jump, and the 
enemy pressing us from the rear, the prisoners and horses 
were recaptured. Learning, no doubt, from the recaptured 
men of the paucity of our numbers, they pressed us more 
vigorously. At the next fence Manning's horse fell, pin- 
ioning him to the ground, and he was captured. A short 
distance farther on Coleman met the same fate. Having 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 85 

I)asse(l across the Slifer farm, tlie retreat was continued down 
through the Dovenberger place, across in the direction of 
Porter's factory. (_)n this trip, 1 was richng my father's horse 
Bony, a fine ruimer and jumper, and keeping in rear with a 
few well-mounted men to protect and shield those with weak 
and less agile steeds, when, on coming to a ditch in the field, 
my horse bounded over, slipped on the ice and fell, throwing 
me. Jn an instant Bony was up and gone, and poor, un- 
fortunate me. at the mercy of a fast-advancing foe. Just 
south of me I sjjied a rail fence, which in an instant I leaped, 
and while the Yankees were pulling it down to get over. I 
made the best run of my life across a wheat-field, with bullets 
knocking dirt over and around me. From the noise in my 
rear. 1 feel justified in concluding that the whole squadron 
took a shot at me. Before they got through the fence I 
reached the Keerl House (now Levi Porter's) and ran in 
the front door and out of the rear, down into the garden, 
and fell exhausted, under a gooseberry bush. I soon ob- 
served the Yankees in the yard and around the house, and 
before I could recover breath for another run they rode into 
the garden, spied me under the bush (poor protection in 
February), and made me a prisoner. My horse carried ofT 
my pistols and saber, and bore them safely back to camp. 
With the posse that captured me was a Lieutenant Hill, an 
exceedingly gentlemanl}' fellow for a Yankee, who, on learn- 
ing my name, treated me with much kindness and considera- 
tion. 

\\'hile standing in the garden talking with the party, up 
rode a big lager-beer Dutchman, who, in an excited manner, 
leai)ed off his horse, and, giving me a good Dutch cursing, 
placed his carbine to my breast and said : " Kill the damned 
rebel." I sighed inwardly for my pistol and a minute of 
freedom, that there might be one less Dutch hireling in this 
country. Just then Lieutenant Hill, pointing his pistol in 
the Dutchman's face, said: "If you shoot him. Lll shoot 
you." This brought the cowardly scoimdrel to his senses. 



86 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

and he sneaked away like a sheep-killing dog. The attack- 
ing party was a squadron of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, under Major Gibson. 

The further pursuit of our men was abandoned at this 
point, and Lieutenant Hill and five of his men took charge 
of me, taking me to Porter's pump to allow me to wash 
some of the mud from my face. Colonel Porter, a citizen 
and gentleman of that neighborhood, kindly came down 
with a bottle of old rye, offered me a drink, which was de- 
clined, and then offered one to my captors, which they gra- 
ciously accepted. Thoughts of escape then entered my head, 
and I accordingly gave Colonel Porter the wink to offer 
them another drink, which he did, but to my sorrow they 
all declined. 

Not having an extra horse, I was mounted behind one of 
my guard, on a blanket, and thus ignominiously located, 
started for Charlestown by way of Feagan's mill and the 
Summit Point and Charlestown road. When the gate oppo- 
site the Isler House (now Carrell's) was reached, I met Tom 
Rockenbaugh, a neighbor,^ on his way home. I spoke to 
him and was about to request him to tell my mother that I 
was a prisoner, but not hurt, when, putting whip to his horse, 
he started in a full run. My guard shouted halt, and fired 
a couple of shots, but he never slackened pace. When I 
saw him next after this, I inquired why he had acted so 
strangely. " Why," said he, " If I had recognized you, they 
would have killed me, sure." 

We reached Charlestown about 4 P. M. I had entered the 
place so often as victor, and felt my humihation so deeply, 
that I covered my head so that my friends would not recog- 
nize me. My escort kindly permitted me to stop at the east 
end of the town, at my cousins' the Rutherfords, where I 
borrowed $20 in gold for use during prison life, which I 
anticipated would be long, as at that time there was no ex- 
change of officers. 

On resuming our journey. Lieutenant Hill kindly offered 




Jno. Coleman. 



88 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

me his horse, quite a nice animal, Ijut Hke most Yankee 
horses, not bridlewise. tfe was anxious to get my opinion 
as to its qualities, which I readily assented to give after a 
trial; so I started off down Hunter's Hill in a lope, and if 
the guards had not followed so close, with their carbines 
drawn on me. calling halt, I would have given his horse a 
fair trial through Tate's woods, down the Kabletown road 
and away to freedom. Those fellows were evidently mind- 
readers, and by vigilance frustrated my plans. 

Lieutenant Hill now mounted his own horse, and I was 
placed on a very dilapidated steed, much like Don Quixote's 
Rosinante, which bore me in humble stvle to Harper's Ferry, 
while his rider took my place on the blanket behind his 
comrade. 

When captured I was wearing a pair of spurs, presented 
to my father by his friend, Hon. Henry Bedinger, and pur- 
chased by him in Denmark, while minister at that court. 
I recog'nized them as a legitimate prize of war, but riding 
along the way. Lieutenant Hill asked me if I would like to 
part with them. I told him their history, and said that 
while I wished to retain them, I was aware he had a right to 
them. " Well," said he. " if you wish to keep them, do so, 
but take them off and put them in your pocket, or some 
fellow w^ill take them from you." I took his advice, put 
them in my pocket, and brought them safely back to Dixie. 
At. Harper's Ferry I was put in charge of a lieutenant of 
infantry, w^hose name I cannot now recall. He took me to 
an oyster saloon and filled me with oysters, wdiich were 
heartily enjoyed. After eating, the lieutenant informed me 
there was a ball in the Ferry that night, and I thought he 
was about to proi)ose that I should attend, but on the con- 
trary, said that would prevent him from taking me to his 
(|uarters for rest, though he disliked to put me in their guard- 
liouse. I thanked him for his courtesy and good intentions, 
and expressed m\' willingness to go to accommodate him. 
He then took me to their prison under the Presbyterian 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 8() 

cluirch, on Shenandoah street, and I have been a little shy 
of Presbyterian churches ever since. If it was Heaven above, 
it was surely hell below. I appreciated that night General 
Charles Lee's solemn request not to be buried '" in any Pres- 
byterian church-yard, or within one mile of any Anabaptist 
meeting-house, as he had been forced to keep so much bad 
com]:)any during life tliat he wished to avoid it in death." 

The lieutenant ach-ised lue if I had any money or \-alual)les 
to place them in the hands of the of^cer of the guard, as my 
fellow-prisoners were a disreputable set, and might rob me. 
The advice was taken and my gold watch and $20 were 
handed over with a vague suspicion 1 would never see them 
again. In this miserable den I found comrades Planning 
and Coleman and a crowd of Yankee deserters. I was 
much pleased to see my friends, for misery loves company. 
Sleep failed to weigh our eyelids down that night. Our 
couch was mud and dirt and our associates the vilest of the 
A'ile, fiends and devils incarnate. 

Morning was welcomed, our names were called, and as 
we passed out my watch and money were handed me, much 
to my surprise and gratification. A guard then marched us 
to the Baltimore and Ohio station, where we boarded the 
cars for Baltimore, arrived there about noon, and were taken 
to General Schenck's headquarters. 

The Federal account of our little raid is found in the report 
of General Schenck to General Halleck: 

Baltimore, Md., February 13, 1863. 

I have received the following dispatch from Brigadier- 
General Kelly : 

Harper's Ferry, Va.. February 13, 1863. 
Yesterday about i P M. a squad of Baylor's rebel cavalry 
attacked a small party of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry from Kearneysville, near Smithfield, killing four, wound- 
ing two, and capturing six men and several horses. About 
4 P. M. my scouts here fell in with the same party a few miles 



90 Bull Kill! to Bull Run. 

south of Chaiiestown. and after a running tight of several 
miles, recaptured our men and horses, and captured Lieuten- 
ant Baylor and two of his men and several horses. 

B. F. Kelly, 
Major-General Commanding. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Robert C. Schenck, 
Major-General Commanding. 

After being interrogated by General Schenck as to my 
Avhereabouts when he chased Jackson up the Valley, and 
politely informing him I was at Cross Keys and Port Re- 
public, we were ordered to be taken to the Provost Mar- 
shal's office. My comrades and myself being more of the 
stature of David than of Saul, and very boyish in appearance, 
were pointed out on the streets of Baltimore as living evi- 
dence of the fact that JefT. Davis was robbing the cradle for 
soldiers, if not the grave. 

While in the Provost's office a little orange girl, seeing we 
were prisoners, looked on us with kindness and aiTection, and 
her little heart burning with sympathy and compassion, 
quietly approached us, while the guard's attention was 
turned, and from her scanty store, gathered by work, priva- 
tion, and suffering, handed each of us an orange, and when 
offered pay, refused to accept. How much good there is in 
the world we wot not of. Her little act was more than a 
sermon. This little waif of the street had taught us the 
kinship of all men. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Three were in a dungeon cast, 

Of whom this wretch is left the last. 

Byron. 

After several hours in the Provost's office, an officer 
appeared (I learned he was the Provost Marshal, Colonel 
Fish,), who, seeing us sitting there, said, in an insolent and 
contemptuous manner, *' \M'iat are you doing here? Get out 
of here ! Guard, take these rebels to the guard-house." I 
longed then to have a chance to repay that scoundrel his 
gratuitous insult. But as he is now receiving the just reward 
of his actions, I can only wish the penitentiary may reform 
him. 

Just here, I cannot refrain from giving an extract from my 
father's diary, of date January 25. 1864, when he was a 
prisoner at Fort McHenry. He says : 

" My paper was put into my tent, as usual, and I learned 
from it that the former Provost Marshal, Colonel Fish, was 
confined a prisoner in his own negro jail, where he had ruth- 
lessly confined so many of his fellow-men. Retribution is 
sure. ' A'engeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.' 
Although I have reasons for beHeving Colonel Fish has been 
very vindictive towards me, I feel for him in his suiTering 
and degradation. It cannot benefit me to have him punished, 
and if he has a family my sympathies are with them." 

The station-house was a dirty, filthy place, an unfit habita- 
tion for human beings. Shortly after our incarceration there, 
two drunken women were placed in an adjoining cell, sepa- 
rated from us by an iron-grated door, and Coleman, who had 
never seen a drunken woman before, seemed to enjoy their 
alternating extremes of pietv and wickedness. 
'[91] 



pi" Bull Run to Bull Run. 

About 6 P. AI. our cell was unlocked and a squad of 
soldiers appeared, who conducted us to Fort McHenry and 
put us in an old stable there, used then as a military prison, 
where we met some thirty Confederates, among the number 
Strother Davis, brother of ex-SherifT Davis. This building 
was full of vermin, and I roosted on a roof-brace, preferring to 
risk my neck at this altitude rather than sleep in the infected 
quarters below. Our fare here was exceedingly hard. Black 
water, called coffee, and hard-tack, for breakfast and supper, 
and bean soup for dinner. No meat was cooked with the 
beans, and none was necessary, for the worms in the beans 
furnished the requisite grease. The coffee was made in the 
same camp-kettle as the soup, without rinsing, and appeared 
with a greasy scum on top. Is Moro Castle worse than this? 

On the second day after our installation in this stable, most 
of the privates, including Manning and Coleman, were taken 
to City Point for exchange, but in a few hours others took 
their places. 

Imprisonment in this foul hole soon became unbearable, 
and I determined to attempt an escape. Preparatory thereto, 
my jacket was stripped of all insignia of office, and dirt rubbed 
in where the braid was torn off, to make it appear old and 
shabby as the rest. My intention was confided to a few of 
our men, who I felt could be implicitly trusted, and who 
promised all help possible. In a few days another exchange 
boat appeared at the wharf to take off' prisoners for exchange, 
and, as their names were being called and they were passing 
out by the guard, I answered to one of the names and passed 
the sentinel unchallenged. We were marched to the boat 
and embarked for the trip. But an evil genius presided over 
my destiny that day. 

I had been on the boat al)Out half an hour, when I was 
startled by a call for me, and, looking up, 1 saw it proceeded 
from a Federal officer. It unfortunately happened that a 
couple of ladies from Baltimore came to the fort and asked 
for permission to see me, which was granted, and the officer 




Liucien Chamberlain. 



g4 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

■ was sent to the stable for me and found the horse out. Sus- 
pecting that I had escaped among the privates he came to 
the boat and called me. No answer being made he com- 
menced a tour through the prisoners. Being small and kept 
apprized of his movements, I eluded his vigilance, until his 
patience was exhausted. Asserting that he knew I was on 
the boat, he ordered all our men off. I went with them 
and fell in in the rear rank on shore, trusting he would be 
unable to identify me. On the first round he passed me by, 
and my spirits rose; but on his second tour, he slapped me on 
the shoulder and said, " You are my man," and my heart went 
down into my boots. He ordered a file of soldiers to take 
me before General Morris, the commandant of the fort, which 
they did, and reported my attempt to escape. The old Gen- 
eral, turning to me, said : " I am informed you have been 
trying to escape." " Yes, General," I said, " but you are too 
much of a soldier to blame me for that." " Oh, no; I do not 
blame you," he said, " but we will have to take better care 
of you. Guard, put him into the left of the sally-port." I 
was not much versed in military lore, and did not realize my 
destination until it was reached and 1 found myself in a dun- 
geon under the parapet. I soon discovered I was not alone. 
It was too dark to see faces, so I inquired who were my fellow- 
prisoners. My first acquaintance was James Tilghman, from 
the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a very clever gentleman, I 
soon ascertained. As I was giving him a narrative of myself, 
Ben Whittington raised up from a corner, exclaiming, " Lieu- 
tenant, is that you? " I recognized Ben's voice and gave him 
a cordial greeting. I ascertained from him that he was 
charged with being a spy, horse-thief, and guerrilla. Tilgh- 
man was charged with burning some Federal boats. 

We slept on the floor, with only one blanket to cover us, 
and did not dream of marble halls, although our bed was 
about as hard as that material. Of these three inmates, I am 
the only survivor. Tilghman after a long imprisonment, was 
sent South, became a gallant soldier in the Maryland line, 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



95 



and (lied in Uueen Anne's county,. Maryland, some ten years 
ago. Ben W'hittington.died in this county about five years 
ago. 

The morning after I was put in the dungeon, when the 
ot^cer of the guard came around and inspected our cell, I 
called his attention to the fact that Ben was a member of our 
company, and a regular Confederate soldier. He promised 
to look into the matter, and in a few days Ben was taken out 
of the cell, and. as I learned, exchanged on the next exchange 
day. 

During the day the guard would open the door and allow 
us a little light and air, and though the place was very dreary, 
it was more comfortable than the old stable. 

After being there several days I was taken before General 
Morris, who said he had learned that my father was a prisoner 
at Fort Delaware, and asked if I would like to join him. I 
told him if I had to remain a prisoner I would, of course, pre- 
fer to be with him. He then promised to send me up on the 
fir.>t boat. 

While in this cell I was permitted to see friends calling for 
me. and I shall ever remember with kindness the good people 
of Baltimore. On one occasion I received a visit from Misses 
Lee and Crichton, accompanied by the brother of the latter, 
Malcolm Crichton, who brought me some dainties and sub- 
stantials. Mr. Crichton, observing that I was without an 
overcoat, took off his own and generously insisted I should 
take it. which, though reluctantly accepted, was sorely needed. 
He may have forgotten his act of kindness and the recipient 
of it. but it has been warmly treasured by me, and I trust he 
ma\- one day hear those comforting words, " I was naked 
and ye clothed me, in prison and ye visited me." 

\\'hile at Fort McHenry I made the acquaintance of Lieu- 
tenant Morris, nephew of the General, and a member of the 
Eighth New York Artillery, which was stationed for some 
time at Harper's Ferry, to whom 1 am indebted for many 
little courtesies. 



pd Bull Run to Bull Run. 

On tlie 23d of February 1 was taken out of this cell, and, 
with some officers from the stable, put on board of a boat 
and taken to Fort Delaware, landing there in the night, and 
great was my father's surprise to meet me. Though he had 
learned of my imprisonment, he little dreamed that Fort 
Delaware would be my Bastile. He received me verv joy- 
ously, but did not kill the fatted calf, as his herd was exceed- 
ingly small and thin at this time. 

My father kept a diary during his twenty months of impris- 
onment, and a chapter from it will not be uninteresting: 

" Tuesday, February 24th. — Was disturbed last night by 
the arrival of 18 prisoners from Fort McHenry — Captain 
Emmett Morrison, Company C, Fifteenth Virginia infantry; 
Captain J. P. Cooper, Company E, Fifth Tennessee; Captain 
W. T. Marberry, Company C, Thirty-third Tennessee; Lieu- 
tenant J. B. Alilam, Company A, Fifth Tennessee; George 
W. Purvis, Ewell's escort; George F. Everhart, Company A, 
White's Battalion; J. H. Eldridge, Company A, Thirty-sec- 
ond Virginia; George Baylor, Company B, Twelfth Virginia 
cavalry, and ten political prisoners. My son came into my 
room. All the officers and Purvis came into our mess. The 
remainder joined mess No. 2. All settled down and soon 
became very sociable. 

" February 25th. — I have added to my bed and taken 
George with me. No news to-day. Every one very sociable. 

" February 26th.— Colonel Perkins, Adjutant Commel, and 
Quartermaster Clarke visited our rooms. Colonel Perkins 
was very polite and accommodating. He requested me to 
act as inspector of the rooms and see that they were properly 
cleaned. We are getting along quite comfortably and cheer- 
fully. 

" February 27th. — All hands cleaning out and scouring 
rooms. 

" February 28th. — Ready for inspection. Colonel Perkins, 
Captain Stephenson, Captain Young, Adjutant Commel, and 
Quartermaster Clarke came up and inspected our quarters 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



97 



and pronounced them clean and in good order. John O. 
Murray received two boxes from Baltimore, containing three 
hams, bread, apples, etc. The old clerk, James R. Gemmil, 
returned to his post, having been absent for ten days on a 
visit to Pittsburg, his home. 

" Sunday, March ist. — Colonel Perkins absent and Major 
Burton commanding post. 

" March 2d. — Received a letter from my wife and wrote to 
Margaret Aisquith and Miss Maria Cheeseborough. 

" March 3d. — Wrote to Colonel Perkins to permit us to 
walk out to-day. Wrote to my son Richard at Petersburg, per 
flag of truce. Colonel Perkins kindly granted permission,, 
and we walked out on the beach for an hour under an escort 
of two soldiers. We had permission to remain three hours^ 
but it being raw% we only remained one. Received a letter 
from Miss Cheeseborough to-day, also one from Dr. Worrel, 
with a box of thread, tape, buttons, etc., sent to me by a 
Maryland lady. Miss Annie Comegys, Kent county. Wrote 
to Miss Cheeseborough, Dr. Worrel, and William Seevers. 
Drew- draft on William R. Seevers, in favor of Miss E. B. 
Cheeseborough, for $50. Sent Dr. Worrell $2 to pay for 
Enquirer. 

" March 4th. — New order this morning, requiring us to 
give up all our money. I handed over to clerk $16 and 
George $10. 

" March 5th. — George wrote to Maggie and I enclosed a 
note to my wife. All in good spirits expecting to hear of 
general defeat of Yankee army before Vicksburg. 

" March 6th. — Wrote to Miss Annie Comegys, Kent 
county, Md., thanking her for a box. Received letter from 
Mrs. Egerton, Baltimore, notifying me of a box of eatables 
sent prisoners. An accident occurred yesterday by the dis- 
charge of a gun in the hands of a sentinel, resulting in the 
death of one Dutch abolitionist and the wounding of another. 

" March 7th. — New order to-day; instead of butcher selling 
us such things as we need, as has been the custom, it must 
7 



p8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

now be handled by Lieutenant Harris, the Provost Marshal. 
Presume they think us overfed, and would have him inspect 
our provisions to reduce them. Nothing increases by hand- 
ling", and I am sure our provisions will not. Received a box 
from Mrs. Egerton to-day, the Provost Marshal having de- 
tained it since yesterday. The clothing in the box was all 
retained by order of Colonel Perkins. The eatables were 
more or less mutilated. A nice cold turkey came to us shorn 
of its breast, it having been amputated by the cormorant 
Provost. Some of our pies and delicacies also went into his 
pouch. Had a good supper on the things sent us by the 
ladies. Colonel Perkins sent us all the clothes over. 

" March 8th.— Had an interview with Coloiiel Perkins rela- 
tive to clothing. Found him disposed to accommodate and 
grant reasonable requests. 

" March 9th.— Wrote to Mrs. Egerton and Dr. E. S. 
Sharpe. Washed out our room and cleaned up generally. 
Walked out on the island this evening for an hour. Captams 
Shearer, Rison, League, Pilot, and Pritchet ordered to Wash^ 
ington. What is to be their fate, we cannot conjecture. 

" March loth.— Shearer and party left this morning, and 
George fell heir to Shearer's bed. The number in our room 
now ^-educed to three— Murray, George, and myself. Re- 
ceived letters from my wife. Misses Essie and Maria Cheese- 
borough. Had addition to our number in the arrival of two 
Jews from Philadelphia, Jackson and Solomon, arrested as 
contrabandists. We played a joke on them, by personating 
Colonel Perkins, making them disclose the whole affair, and 
ordering them to cells and to take the oath." 

On this occasion referred to in my father's diary, my father 
was dressed as Colonel Perkins, Murray was his adjutant, and 
some six or seven of us composed the Colonel's escort. The 
Jews' room was entered, and their blockade business extorted 
from them under threat of immediate death. The oath of 
alleo-iance was then offered them. Solomon at once offered 







Robert Cookus. 



100 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

to take it, but Jackson refused, saying he was a Southern 
man. Solomon was so unstable, we named him Reuben, but 
Jackson we called Judah, by reason of his firmness. Solomon, 
having agreed to take the oath, was taken out of the room 
and marched down the hallway to a little closet about five 
feet square, in which he was put and the door closed, Murray 
saying, in a stentorian voice, " Sentinel, if he moves in there, 
shoot him." We then returned to our rooms, and poor Solo- 
mon remained in the closet all night, but Jackson was treated 
with much kindness. In the morning we told Gemmil what 
we had done, and he, and Jackson, too, enjoyed the joke on 
Solomon, but Gemmil went to the closet and released him 
from close confinement. 

My father, as I have before related, was taken prisoner in 
December, 1862, before recovering from his wound, and had 
l)een retained in prison under charges whiqh had no founda- 
tion in fact, and were vague and indefinite in character. In 
vam, from time to time he had urged upon his adversaries a 
speedy trial, but without favorable result, although, in justice 
to some of the Federal officers, I will say that they fully recog- 
nized the injustice which was being done him and asked a 
hearing for him. 

In the War of the Rebellion, Official Records, note the 
following correspondence regarding him : 

Adjutant-General's Office, 
Washington, D. C., January 27, 1863. 

Colonel William Hoffman, U. S. Army, 

Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, U. C. : 

Sir —Please inform this office, if within your knowledge, 
whether charges have been preferred against Captain Robert 
W Baylor, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, for violation of a flag 
of truce near Harper's Ferry, Va., about the 6th of February, 
1862 and if this officer is in confinement at Fort Delaware. 
' I am very respect^lly, your obedient servant, 

E. T. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 



Bull Run to Bull Run. loi 

General Townsend seems to have l)een moved l)y some of 
the compunctions of the Roman Gcnernor more than 
eighteen centuries ago, when he said to King Agri])])a, " For 
it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not 
withal signify the crimes laid against him," much more un- 
reasonable to retain him a prisoner, without granting him a 
hearing or specifying the nature of the offence. The case 
after this seems to have fallen into hurtful repose for several 
months, and then again resurrected. 

Office of Commissary-General of Prisoners, 

Washington, April i, 1863. 
Colonel D. D. Perkins, 

Commanding- Fort Delaware : 

Colonel : You will receive orders from the headquarters. 
Middle Department, to forward rebel officers, prisoners of 
war in your charge, to Lieutenant-Colonel Ludlow, agent for 
exchange of prisoners at Fort Monroe, for exchange. If it 
should not be so stated in the order, you will not include with 
them Captain Robert W. Baylor, who is charged with serious 
crimes, nor any other officer who may be held on any other 
charge than that of being in the rebel arm}'. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

William Hoffman, 
Colonel Third Infantry, 
Commissary-General of Prisoners. 

And on the 7th of April, William H. Ludlow, agent for 
exchange of |)risoners, writes Colonel Hoffman : 

" Colonel : Will you order an investigation into the case 
of Captain Baylor, detained at Fort Delaware under charges 
of murder and violation of a Hag of truce, that in case of 
acquittal he may be sent with other Confederate officers for 
exchange?" 

And again, on April nth, he writes Colonel Hoft'man : 

'• Colonel : All the citizen prisoners delivered to us have 
been declared exchanged, their equivalents having been de- 
livered to the Confederates. All the officers delivered to us 



102 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

whose names I have from time to time sent you have l)een 
declared exchanged, their equivalents also having been de- 
livered. / hope that the ease of Captain Baylor may be speedily 
investigated, that in case of acquittal he may be subject to 
exchange with other officers." 

Colonel Hoffman, on April 12th, writes the Provost Mar- 
shal of Baltimore : 

"Sir: On the 22d of December last, Captain Robert W. 
Baylor, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, was sent by an order from 
your office to Fort McHenry with a statement that he was 
charged with murder in having killed one of the men when 
bearing a flag of truce. If there are any written charges 
against him in your office, or any evidence by which the 
charge can be established, I have to request you will for- 
ward it to this office, to the end that the case may be investi- 
gated." 

Nothing having been done towards the formulation or 
investigation of any charges, my father sent a petition to 
Colonel Hoffman, asking an immediate examination into his 
case, or for an exchange, and while the petition itself is lost, 
Colonel Hoffman, in a letter to Judge-Advocate-General 
Holt (of Mrs. Surratt fame), refers to it: "I have the honor 
to refer to you, for your consideration, the petition of Cap- 
tain Robert W. Baylor, an officer of the rebel army, now a 
prisoner of war at Fort Delaware, for an investigation of the 
charges against him, or for his exchange. The accompany- 
ing papers are all that I have been able to obtain to support 
the charge against him. Previous to my indorsement of the 
1 8th instant, I addressed a letter to the military Provost 
Marshal of Baltimore, requesting him to furnish me any 
charges or evidence against Captain Baylor which might be 
in his office, l)ut to this letter I received no reply. On the 
1 8th instant I addressed a letter to Major-General Schenck, 
commanding Eighth Army Corps, requesting that he would 
direct that any testimony in the possession of the Provost 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



103 



Marshal of Baltimore, or any other officer, bearing upon the 
case of Captain Baylor, should be forwarded to this office; 
but to this letter also I have received no reply, and 1 am 
therefore compelled to submit the case in this imperfect con- 
dition." 

Colonel Ludlow, on April 30th, again writes Colonel Hoff- 



" If the case of Captain Baylor, confined at Fort Delaware, 
has not been examined, I would recommend that it be as 
soon as practicable. The effect of keeping the release of a 
Confederate officer suspended on charges is always to retain 
one of our own officers in confinement, for while official 
notice of retaliation is not given, I am satisfied that such 
retaliation is really practiced." 

Colonel Ludlow was correct in his supposition. An officer 
of equal rank was retained by the Confederate Government 
in confinement at Libby Prison to await the action of the 
Federal authorities in my father's case, but I have always 
thought that the real power behind the throne w^ith Colonel 
Ludlow, who was agent for exchange of prisoners at Fort 
Monroe, was my father's nephew. Colonel Thomas G. Baylor, 
of the United States army, who was stationed at that time at 
that place, and wdioni I know was exerting all his influence 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Lake Leman lies by Chillon's walls, 
A thousand feet in depth below 
Its massy waters meet and flow. 

Byron. 

Fort Delaware is situated on an island near the mouth of 
the Delaware river. During the war a ferry-boat plied be- 
tween the island and the mainland at Delaware city. While 
I was a prisoner there, the Confederate officers were confined 
in the interior of the fort. The rooms occupied by the prison- 
ers opened on a long hall, which led to a broad stairway lead- 
ing to the ground floor. At the head of this stairway senti- 
nels were placed to confine us to the apartments above. 
There was also a stairway leading above to the parapet. From 
this parapet to the w^ater below was probably forty feet. The 
windows of our apartments opened on the water and were 
secured with iron bars. The rooms were comfortable, though 
scant of furniture. The prisoners had free access to each 
other, and visiting was allowed at all times. The number con- 
fined in the interior of the fort during my stay did not exceed 
twenty or fall below twelve. There was on duty at the fort 
a German regiment, and those with whom we were thrown 
in contact seemed clever enough. Some of the Federal offi- 
cers paid us frequent visits, and were, with a few exceptions, 
kind and considerate. Colonel Perkins was commandant, 
and his clerk, Gemmil, was in our quarters daily and entered 
into many of our sports. Through him our mail was sent and 
received,' it being inspected by him in going out and coming 
in, to prevent contraband matters. No rations were furnish- 
ed us. but, in lieu thereof, a commutation of sixteen cents a 
day with liberty to buv. We divided into messes, and our 

[104] 




Georg-e Creaton. 



io6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

mess had as cook one of our men, held on some trumped-up 
charge, and who was glad to get on the interior of the fort, 
as those without were treated very harshly. Our townsman, 
T. Ogden Murray, was our commissary-general, and with a 
little aid to our commutation money from our individual 
means and the charity of lady friends, w^e lived, compared 
with those at other prisons, comfortably. 

We varied the monotony of prison with cards, drafts, 
chess and backgammon, which aided materially in reHeving 
the tedium. The few books in our store were eagerly de- 
voured, and the Bible was not forgotten. At times we played 
pranks of various sorts on each other. One of our prisoners. 
Lieutenant Tormey, of the First Maryland, was quite a con- 
ceited youth, and spent much of his time in regaling us with 
episodes concerning his many sweethearts in Baltimore. Mur- 
ray and myself, by treasuring up Tormey's revelations, soon 
knew Tormey's sweetheart about as w^ell as Tormey himself, 
and conceived the idea of personating her and inditing to 
Tormey a fervent epistle. With the aid of Gemmil, who 
readily entered into the scheme, we wrote the letter, got Gem- 
mil to copy, stamp, and deliver it to Tormey. How Tormey's 
spirits revived on the reception of it ! He was so full of it he 
could not keep the secret, so he made us his confidants. He 
was kept busy several days composing an answer, which he 
finally delivered to Gemmil for inspection and mail. Gemmd 
gave' us a copy and mailed the original, but whether the 
young lady received it or not we never knew. She certamly 
did not answer it, but we did, keeping up a brisk correspond- 
ence for some weeks, and doing Tormey as much good as if 
the letters had been genuine. He did not discover the cheat 
until a few days before our departure, and, good-natured soul 
that he was, took it all very kindly. Not so with Lieutenant 
Purvis, upon whom we played a similar joke, who, when he 
found us out, refused to speak to Murray, my father, or 
mvself, until the day of our departure, when he relented and 



Bull Run to Bull Rim. loj 

In the last clia|)ter 1 (|uote(l my father's (Harv to March 
lOth. I will now resnnie and continue to the date of our 
separation : 

March iith. — (iround covered with snow. Xo news. 

Alarch 12th. — Colonel Perkins sent for me to-day relative 
to the removal of all privates from our (|uarters into the 
outer barracks. 1 tried the Mason on him to-day, and he 
responded promptly. 

March 13th. — Two of our officers left us for Fort McHenry 
to be exchanged — Captain Cooper and Lieutenant Milam. 
They took leave of us at 7 P. M. The remaining officers 
much dejected at being left behind. 

March 14th. — Arose about 7 A. M. Made up my fire and 
bed, took a good bath and dressed. Our house looks some- 
what deserted this morning. Wrote to Misses Heiskell and 
Clements, two ladies of Philadelphia, who had sent me their 
photographs. Got a bottle of cod-liver oil and whiskey from 
surgeon. 

March 15th. — My thirteenth Sunday in prison. Snowing" 
fast. 

March i6th. — Received box from my friend. Miss Cheese- 
borough, containing suit of clothes for George, pair of shoes, 
travelling shirt, two pairs of socks, two towels, chest protec- 
tor, necktie, and ball of soap, and for me 40 paper collars, 
two silk handkerchiefs, pair of suspenders, two crash tow^els, 
five pairs shoestrings, teapot, tea, sugar, crackers, butter and 
jelly. Provost-Marshal Harris retained George's travelling 
shirt, necktie, and chest protector. He also retained all the 
articles sent Murray, Ryle. Blanton, Marberry, Cooper, 
Milam, and Purvis. Captain Marberry received a very nice 
box of eatables from Miss Warner, of Tennessee. Received 
letter from my wife to-day. 

March 17th. — Colonel Perkins permitted George to have 
the travelling shirt made for him by Miss Maria Cheese- 
borousfh. Wrote home. 



I08 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

March i8th. — The boys sold Lieutenant Purvis badly. He 
wrote to Mrs. Beall some days ago and expressed much affec- 
tion for her. They answered the letter for her and feigned 
that it was a proposal of marriage, and that she accepted his 
offer. He answered the letter, explaining to her that she 
had misconstrued his language and intentions; that they were 
not those of love, but of esteem. After his letter had been 
forwarded to Mrs. Beall, he discovered it was a joke of the 
boys. Permission was granted Morrison, Murray, George, and 
myself to visit Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Hays, from Baltimore, 
at the Colonel's ofhce. I did not avail myself of the privilege. 
The others did. The ladies brought them a box of provisions. 
March 19th. — George wrote to Miss Maria Cheeseborough 
yesterday. They numbered our rooms. My number is 6. 
We walked out this evening on the island. 

March 20. — Arose and made the fire, as usual, and made 
up my bed. George and Murray in bed asleep. Purvis re- 
ceived a box of things, eatables, etc.. from Mrs. James, of 
Baltimore. Received letter from my wife to-day. News from 
my county gloomy. 

March 21. — As usual, had to make up my fire. George and 
Murray in bed. 

March 22.— \A'e walked out on the parapet in the after- 
noon. A beautiful day. 

March 23.^Arose and made my fire. George and Murray 
in bed. Received a letter from Mrs. Eliza Cheeseborough, 
of Philadelphia. It breathes the language of true and disin- 
terested friendship. I cannot express the deep gratitude I 
owe to this strange lady and her two daughters for then- 
great kindness to me since I have been in prison in this fort. 
March 24. — All hands washing out room. No news to-day. 
Walked out on island. 

March 25. — Suffering with rheumatism. Held court to- 
day and convicted Murray and Kyle of improper conduct. 
Received a letter from my nephew. Captain Thomas G. Bay- 



Bull Run to Bull Run. log 

lor, from Fortress Monroe, stating that all i)risoners cap- 
tured before January u, 1863, would be exchanged. 

^larch 26th. — All lively this morning, buoyed up with the 
hope of a speedy exchange. This day has been set apart by 
President Davis as a day of thanksgiving in the Confederate 
States. I observed it here in my prison. 

■March 27th. — Time passes more heavily as the days in- 
crease in length and the spring advances. Wrote to Miss 
Cheeseborough. 

March 28th. — Suffering with rheumatism and down in 
spirits. No news. 

March 29th. — Still suffering with rheumatism. My fifteenth 
Sunday in prison. 

March 30th. — All hands scrubbing out to-day, expecting 
a new commandant to take charge to-morrow. All in high 
spirits. The papers state an exchange of officers has been 
agreed upon. George received a letter from Miss Maria 
Cheeseborough, one from Mrs. Egerton. and one from 
Jennie Rutherford. 

March 31st. — We were aroused by the arrival of 2t^ addi- 
tional prisoners — Dr. Jesse Stocker, Mr. P. H. Rouss, Dr. 
Robert A. Lucas, Captain James W. Glenn, and Robert 
Lucas, Jr., from Jefferson county. The others are from Lou- 
doun and Botetourt counties and city of Baltimore. \\'e took 
Dr. Stocker and j\Ir. Rouss into our room. Nine of the gen- 
tlemen joined our mess. Al)out 12 o'clock an order was 
received to remove all the prisoners who arrived last night 
to other apartments. \\'e parted with our friends with much 
reluctance, knowing they will be far less comfortable than 
they would be with us. To-day is inspection day. Our 
quarters were visited by the Colonel and his staff. 

The Colonel, as usual, was very polite, and told us that he 
thought we would all be exchanged in a few days, and that 
he w'ould leave us for more active service in a day or so. 
Captain Stanislaus McClowskis made me a present of a nice 
silk tobacco purse and tobacco; the purse was knit by his 



no Bull Run to Bull Run. 

wife. Captain McClowskis is a Prussian. Sent over five 
blankets to our countymen in prison. Captain McClowskis 
thought some of our countymen had tain bad physiosiques. 

April I St. — The prisoners sent to the fort yesterday are 
charged with being secret enemies, spies, horse-thieves, and 
traitors, and kept in close confinement. Paid my mess bill 
for month of March, cash $4.33. and commutation $4.96, 
making $9.29 each for the month. Wq are all expecting to 
leave. 

April 2d. — The Adjutant came up this morning and took 
down the names of all the ofiicers and privates here for ex- 
change, and notified me that I would not be exchanged. Very 
great disappointment to me. The order for my detention read 
as follows: "Captain George Baylor (meaning Robert), a 
prisoner at Fort Delaware, is charged with violating a flag 
of truce and murder, and will be retained in confinement." 
George W. Purvis was also detained. They all went off this 
evening in good spirits. Purvis moved into my room. We 
are left sole heirs of all the plunder. Colonel Perkins came 
up to see me this evening and promised to do what he could 
for me in Washington. 

George received a letter from Julia to-day. I will answer 
it to-morrow. The parties wdio went oft' to-day were Captains 
Price, Marberry and Morrison, Lieutenants Kyle, Blanton, 
Murrav, Tormey and Baylor, and all the privates. Purvis 
and myself passed the night very quietly. Received from 
Mrs. Egerton one box of cheese, six hams, four beef tongues, 
one dozen jars of pickles, and three bottles of essence of 
ginger. Wrote to Captain Thomas G. Baylor by George. 

April 3d. — -A very fine day for the boys to go down the 
bay. I made an earnest appeal this morning to Colonel 
Buchanan (our new commandant) to have removed to our 
quarters Captain Glenn, Mr. Rouss, Drs. Stocker and Lucas, 
and R. Lucas, Jr. He said he would give my application a 
favorable consideration. Received a very kind letter from 
Miss Nannie Comegys, of Chestertown, Md. 




Robert. T. Craig-hill. 



112 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Before giving an account of my journey, after leaving Fort 
Delaware,^ I wish to explain a portion of my father's diary. 
It is verv patent that the expression for several mornings, 
" George and Murray are in bed asleep/' was intended as a 
reflection on our conduct. Filial duty may have required me 
under other circumstances to have risen early and made the 
fire, but sleep was the greatest comfort enjoyed in prison, 
and I often remonstrated with my father for his early rising 
and begged him to permit me to sleep away as much of prison 
life as possible. Indeed, making the fire was a pleasure, for 
I craved some occupation and employment. 

The petition mentioned in my father's diary was not 
granted, and our countymen were closely confined on the 
exterior of the fort, in miserable barracks, and very inhu- 
manlv treated. 

After we left Fort Delaware for exchange my father con- 
tinued to press his case upon the attention of the Federal 
authorities, and on May i. 1863, Colonel Hoffman, Commis- 
sary-General of Prisoners, writes General Schenck : 

" General : Permit me again to ask your attention to the 
case of Captain Baylor, a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware. 
He is charged with the commission of a very obnoxious 
crime, and Tt is very desirable, if possible, to obtain evidence 
that will convict him. In the letter of Major A. G. A. Con- 
stable, Provost Marshal at Baltimore, of December 22, 1862, 
addressed to General Morris when Captain Baylor was sent 
to Fort McHenrv, charges have been made, he having kdled 
one of our men while bearing a flag of truce, and it is sup- 
posed that the Major may be able to point to some source 
where the necessarv evidence may be procured. The Judge- 
Advocate-General cannot decide as to what disposition shall 
be made of him until it is ascertained whether the charges 
ao-ainst him are true or false, and as the negotiations for the 
exchange of our officers are embarrassed by the detention of 
Captain Bavlor, I have respectfully to request you will direct 
such reports to be made by his captors, giving the names of 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 113 

the witnesses, as will esta1)lish whether he is guilty or not. 
I beg your early attention to this matter." 

On the 1 6th of May, General Sclienck answers Colonel 
Hoffman's letter as follows : 

'' The prisoner. Captain Baylor, killed a man named Roher 
under a flag of truce at Harper's Ferry. Colonel Schley 
(William Louis), from Point of Rocks, telegraphs that he 
will send statement in full, and that witnesses can be obtained 
without trouble. Communicate this to Judge- Advocate." 

This was the first definite information received concerning 
the charge, and it came from a certain Colonel William Louis 
Schley, who, according to the Federal Secretary of War. was 
guilty of a more heinous crime than that he attempted to 
fasten upon an innocent prisoner. His great manifestation 
of zeal in the cause of his country appears as a cloak to cover 
his own infamy and treachery, for on the 6th of June, 1863, 
Secretary Stanton wires General Kelly at Harper's Ferry and 
Colonel Fish at Baltimore : 

" Captain Alexander, Provost Marshal of Richmond, and 
three, perhaps four, other rebel spies, some in the military 
ser\ice, are or were yesterday in Washington, and design 
leaving here for Richmond or Culpeper to-day or to-night. 
They will probably go by Point of Rocks, Berlin, or Harper's 
Ferry, probably Berlin. Alexander has a large amount of 
Confederate money and plans of the forts around Washington 
and other valuable papers. He will be disguised. Some 
officer at Berlin or Harper's Ferry is treacherous and acting 
with them. They say Colonel Schley is the man. and also 
that Captains Aleans and Marsh will pass them. Colonel 
Schley and Captains Means and Marsh should be watched, 
and every method taken that your skill and experience can 
devise." 

Among my father's papers I find a statement of Colonel 
Schlev to General Schenck. in which he denounces my father 



11^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ill the bitterest terms, and says that all the people of Harper's 
Ferry would be glad to have him punished and would testify 
against him, and in accordance with his wishes, on May 22, 
1863, my father was sent to Harper's Ferry for trial by Fed- 
eral court-martial, and this court having heard all the 
evidence in the case, adjourned to meet again on the 15th of 
June to report its findings, and it so happening that General 
Jackson appeared near there about that time, the court dis- 
appeared, and no further action was had by this court, and 
my father, growing weary of continued confinement, wrote 
the following letter : 

Fort McHenry, July 13, 1863. 

Colonel Hoffman, 

Commissary-General of Prisoners, 
Washington City: 

Sir,_At the interview I had with you on the i6th of 
April' last at Fort Delaware, you assured me that my case 
should receive your earliest attention. I am still a prisoner, 
having been held in confinement seven months. 

On the 22d of Mav, I was sent to Harper's Ferry for 
trial by a court-martial. The court did not meet until the 
^d day of June, and, without proceeding to business, ad- 
journed to the 8th instant. On the 12th the evidence was 
closed, and the court adjourned to meet on the i6th. On the 
15th I was sent to this fort, where I am still held m confine- 
ment, no action being had in my case. The evidence clearly 
and positively proves that the boat had no flag of truce, and 
never did carry a flag of truce; that the parties in the boat zvere 
not soldiers; that they were heavily armed; that one of them 
attempted to fire; that 'they were engaged in an illegal and unlaw- 
ful business; that they zvere spies, and there was no evidence that 
I had anything to do zvith the affair. 

It is therefore extremely unjust that I should longer be 
detained in confinement. Lieutenant-Colonel D. D Perkins, 
who was chief of Major-General Banks's staff, afterwards 
commandant of Fort Delaware, was conversant with the 
whole affair, and called at the department m Washington 
about the middle of April last, and wrote to the Adjutant at 
Fort Delaware to inform me that he had explained the trans- 
action to the satisfaction of the Department, and that I would 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ii^ 

Ije exchanged. 1 desire to call y(,)ur attention to the case, in 
order to have a speedy decision. 

Having been severely wounded by a shot through my 
lungs, previous to my capture, the long confinement I have 
had to suffer has made me an invalid for life. Let me ask 
your earliest attention to my case. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
Robert W. Baylor, 
Captain Twelfth X'irginia Cavalry, C. S. A. 

The foregoing letter bears the following indorsements: 

Office Commissary-General of Prisoners, 

Washington, July 17, 1863. 

Respectfully referred to ]Major-General Schenck, com- 
manding Middle Department. W. Hoffman, 

Colonel Third Infantry, 
Commissary-General of Prisoners. 

Headquarters Eighth Army Corps, 

Baltimore, Md., July 28, 1863. 

Respectful !}■ returned to Brigadier-General \\\ W. Mor- 
ris. The court-martial for the trial of Captain Baylor was 
only suspended or adjourned in consequence of the arrival of 
his friends in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, thus inter- 
rupting the proceedings. That court will have to be reas- 
sembled to resume the trial, or another court ordered and 
convened to which the case may be submitted. 
By command of Major-General Schenck. 

\V. H. Cheeseborough, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 

This letter of July T6th effected no favorable result, and my 
father addressed Colonel Hoffman the following letter: 

Fort McHenry. October 7, 1863.- 
Colonel Hoffman, 

Commissary-General of Prisoners, 

Washington. D. C. : 

Sir. — 1 addressed you. through the commanding officer 

of this fort, on the 13th of July last, calling your attention 

to my case. On the 8th of August I addressed a conuuuni- 

cation, through the same officer, to the Secretary of War, 



J-J5 Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

askino- him to have my case referred to the ^^f^'^;}^"^^^ - 
General for a decision, if proper; -". ^^aVn^rS 's Fe" v to 
Bri-adier-General Kelley, commanding at Harper s ^^erry, to 
be r3aroled to go to mv home, inside of the Federal hnes on 
account of m/ infirm health from long confinemen untd a 
t^nal decision could be had. I again addressed you on the 
26th of August, referring you to my letter of August the 8th 
to the Secretary of War. asking you to take ^ome action to^ 
wards effecting my final discharge and exchange. Not having 
heard from you. I am constrained to address >ou agam 
hoping that some action may be had m niy c a e Justice 
asks i?: humanity demands it; God enjoins it. ;^ ""^°;^ 
men as vou would thev shouid do unto you. I hax e bee 
n onfinement ten months. The evidence m ->' -- J^- ^^J 
been taken and recorded, and as I stated to y^J^ " " .> ^^^^^^ 
of July Mth. to which I refer you. there is not ^ P^ ^^ «, 
evidence to criminate me. There T.a. uo Hog of tnuc, flu 
Ta - '"^t.rr ../ sold,crs, but s[^ws, and it was positively proven 
fl a I was in Charlestown. eight miles from the place where 
the crime, with which I am charged, took place. I ^^^ c^P 
tured prior to any interruption of exchano'es^ and a otbce s 
caotured long since have been exchanged. I am entit ea to 
mv exc ange, as soon as the charges agams^ me can be ,e- 
moved certainly have been detained sufficiently long to 
Tve had a frdl and'fair investigation, and should not ^e -ade 
to suffer when innocent. Permit me to urge this mattei, 
hoping that vou may give it vour earliest attention. 
Verv respectfully. 

Robert W. Baylor, 
Captain Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, C. S. A. 

This letter is indorsed as follows : 

A^pproved bv command of Colonel Porter, commanding 
r^^^ ■ H. R. (Cannot decipher name). 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Headquarters Eighth Army Corps, 

Department of Baltimore, 
Fort McHenry, October 8, 1863. 
Resnectfullv forwarded through Department Headquar- 
ter! & Army Corps to the Comi^ss^ary-Ge^neral of 

P"^°"'''- Colonel. Commanding Fort. 




Jos. H. Easterday. 



ii8 Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

The following reply was received : 

Office of Commissary-General of Prisoners, 

Washing-ton, D. C, October 13, 1863. 
Colonel Porter, 

Commanding Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md. : 

Colonel— Please sav to Captain Baylor that his several 
letters have all been laid before the proper authorities, and he 
must wait their action. His letter of the 7th will be duly 
attended to, and final action in his case hastened as much as 
possible. 

Verv respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

W.. Hoffman, 
Colonel Third Infantry. 
Commissarv-General of Prisoners. 



CHAPTER IX. 

It might be months, or years, or days, 
I kept no count — I took no note; 
At last, men came to set me free, 
I asked not why and reck'd not where. 

Byron. 

In justice to officers and men on duty there, I must record 
the fact that, excepting in a few instances, our treatment 
while at Fort Delaware was such as reflects credit on them, 
and deserves commendation. 

James X. Gemmil, clerk to the commandant, with whom 
we had daily intercourse, could not have been more genial, 
pleasant, and considerate of our feelings and welfare had he 
been a kinsman and brother. If he has not met his reward 
in this life, I feel assured his good deeds will speak with 
trumpet tongues in his behalf when he stands before the 
great judgment seat. The noble women whose names are 
mentioned in these pages, though strangers to us, were un- 
tiring in their efforts to ameliorate our condition and soften 
the asperities of prison life, and what human effort could do, 
they cheerfully and generously did. The recording angel has 
written their names above, and their treasure is laid up 
" where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves 
break through nor steal." Fair hands may strew our graves 
with flowers, but these noble women have softened our hard- 
ships and filled our lives with their generous deeds — which is 
far better. Sympathy and tenderness shown the living is 
above all the scutcheons on the tomb. Crown my life with 
blessings. The dead need no friends. " for in death there is 
no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee 

thanks? " 

I want your love just while I live. 
While I can still that love return; 
It will not joy or comfort give 
When lamp of life has ceased to burn. 
[119] 



20 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

When the soldier's companion falls, 

He waits to see the pause of life, 
Then onward goes where duty calls, 

And drowns his woe in battle strife. 

Thus when 'tis fate for me to die. 
Breathe but one sigh for memory dear. 

And gently close the fading eye, 
Affection asks not e'en a tear. 

Pluck not, I pray, the wild flowers' bloom. 
Nor chaplet wreathe or rustic crown,— 

To deck a cold and lifeless tomb. 
Where mortal dust alone is found. 

Can sweetest flowers illume the grave. 

Or cheer or bless the tenant there; 
Knows he the hand that loving gave 

Those flowers so beautiful and fair? 

I can as calm and sweetly sleep, 

In death's silent, reposing lair, 
Without a friend to sigh or weep, 

Or place in love a rosebud there. 

But love me, friends, while I can still 
Clasp hand with hand in kinship given, 

Meet heart with heart in joyous thrill, 
And feel this earth is nearing heaven. 

While I longed for freedom, it grieved me much to leave 
my father in prison, an invalid suffering from his wound, and 
retained under charges to be tried by a military commission, 
needing only accusation to insure conviction. I earnestly 
urged Colonel Perkins to release him, but was informed by 
that officer that he had no discretion in the matter; that 
orders had proceeded from a higher source. He promised, 
however, to intercede for his trial or exchange, which promise 
I believe he faithfully kept. 

On the evening of April 2, 1863, I bade farewell to my 
father, Purvis, and Fort Delaware, our little party boarded a 
steamer bound for Baltimore, and were landed the following 
morning at Fort McHenry. Lieutenant Morris, whose 
acquaintance had been made while a prisoner at this fort, met 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 121 

nie at the landiiio', and kindly gave me j)arole of the fort, and 
extended me many httle conrtesies and attentions. 

I found there m\- friend. Captain W. !>. Com])ton. now a 
prominent la\v\er in 1 larrisonburg, \'a., detained under 
charges which I deemed trivial, but upon which he was after- 
wards tried 1)\' a military conmiission and sentenced to be 
hung; which penalty he evaded l)y a miraculous esca])e from 
his cell a few days before his execution was to ha\e taken 
place, and after his gallows had l)een erected. 

Note from my father's diary the following: 

■■ May 16, 1864. — Last night tive of our officers, who were 
in the interior cell (Compton, Dorsey, Shearer, Lamar, and 
Gubbins). made their escape by cutting a hole through the 
roof and getting over the parapet." 

And on the 25th of May the following: 

" 1 was awakened from my slund^er by the noise of a large 
body of armed men drawn up in a hollow scpiare around the 
gallows erected to hang Captain W. B. Com|)ton. who made 
his escape a few days ago. In a moment 1 discovered the 
victim was Leopold, a Confederate officer tried and convicted 
I3y a military commission held at this place last Fel)ruary, 
since which time he has been confined in a cell. 1 learned 
the sentence was read to him this morning just before they 
brought him out to ascend the scaffold. ( )nr officers were all 
arttused from their beds to witness the execution. Leopold 
ascended the scaffold tirm and undaunted. He said he died 
in defence of his country, for which he was willing to part 
^vith his life without a murmur. He trusted that God would 
yet give her independence and liberty. He then pointed 
to General Morris, who was ])resent on horsel)ack. and said 
that the old gra_\ -headed gentleman there was the cause of his 
death; that he was about to suffer a felon's death, but God 
was the Judge, not he; that he forgave General Morris, and 
hoped to meet him in Heaven. He waved his handkerchief 
twice to the Confederate officers, oft'ered a prayer to (iod. 



122 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

and then told them he was ready. EHjah Brown, of the 
Second United States Infantry (Company I), who had volun- 
teered as the Jack Ketch, adjusted the rope, went down and 
touched the spring, and at 5 130 A. M. he w^as launched into 
eternity. He died bravely and without a struggle. He was 
allowed to hang thirty minutes, wdien he was taken down and 
carried to the dead-house. General Wallace and his staff, 
who had come out from Baltimore, remained on the ground 
until the body was taken down. General Morris rode ofT 
as soon as the trap-door fell. Leopold died as a brave man 
should do, praying first for his country, then for his widowed 
mother and family, and, lastly, for himself." 

Andrew Leopold was a gallant young soldier from the 
vicinity of Shepherdstown, and enlisted in the beginning of 
the war in Company F, First Virginia Cavalry (Colonel Mor- 
gan's company). His mother is still alive, and resides now in 
Washington county, Md. After his execution his body was 
taken to Shepherdstown, and is interred in the Confederate 
lot in the cemetery there. Is it strange that General Lew 
Wallace fled so precipitately at Monocacy? The ghost of the 
murdered Leopold, no doubt, appeared to him there. 

On the day following our landing at Fort McHenry, some 
eighteen officers, including our Fort Delaware contingent, 
were put down in the hold of a boat bound from Baltimore 
for Norfolk, with a lot of our men suffering with small-pox, 
and not allowed to pass above. 'This precaution was taken 
evidentlv to prevent the passengers on board from knowing 
the condition of the prisoners below. 

On our arrival at Fortress Monroe my cousin, Colonel 
Thomas G. Baylor, ordnance officer at that fort, came aboard, 
took me out of the hold and to the Captain's cabin, and intro- 
duced me to the Captain, who soon had prepared for me a 
royal feast, which was doubly enjoyed, as I was without 
breakfast. Shortly afterwards the prisoners were placed on 
an exchange boat, where we remained several days before 
going up to Citv Point. My cousin accompanied me to the 







Jno. Easterday. 



12^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

exchange l)oat, introduced me to Colonel Mulford. Federal 
commissioner of exchange, and I was allowed a state-room 
and treated with great civility. During my stay there my 
cousin gave me every attention possible, and made my stay 
exceedingly comfortable. Although he occupied a position 
of trust in' the Federal army, having graduated from West 
Point just preceding the war. he was as genial and kind as a 
kinsman could be, and I felt as much at home with him as 
when years before, at my father's, we had played and hunted 
together. It was during one of these visits that I met 
for^ the first time my little cousin Kate, his daughter, now 
the wife of a prominent surgeon in the army, stationed at 
Hot Springs, Ark. Blood is thicker than water, and. not- 
withstanding the bitterness of the conflict, no unkind feelings 
were generated between my relatives in the Federal army and 
myseff, or our family, and when the war closed, our ante- 
bellum intercourse was renewed. 

On the morning our boat started for City Point, my cousin 
Tom and his daughter came on board to bid me good-bye, 
and were present when the guard passed through, searching 
our officers for everything contraband, which meant every- 
thing not on their backs and some things that were. I saw 
my cousin give the officer the wink, and I was passed by un- 
molested, though having much greater possessions than my 
brother of^cerl Such partiality made me feel a little 
humiliated, Init, on second thought, I accepted my good for- 
tune as part of that luck which seldom failed me durmg the 
war. I even brought safely through the pair of spurs Lieu- 
tenant Hill so kindly permitted me to keep. 

Our boat weighed anchor, and we were soon sailing up the 
James, past the wrecks of the Congress and the Cumberland, 
until we reached City Point, where we waited some hours 
the arrival of our agent of exchange. Souie time was ex- 
pended after his arrival in arranging a cartel, and, at one 
time, I feared that an agreement would not be reached, and 
that we would have to return. Our fate trembled in the 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 125 

balance. Our hearts sickened at the thonght of retnrn, hut. 
happily,, matters were finally adjusted and we were landed 
on Southern soil. My heart leaped with joy when 1 was 
turned loose, and realized that I was a free man again. In 
the ardor of my aft'ection. 1 knelt down and embraced my 
Mother Dixie Land., No one like a prisoner, loosed from 
his bonds, can truly appreciate the boon and blessing of 
liberty. 

M\- Uncle Tom lived a short distance from City Point, and, 
after l)idding farewell to my prison-mates. I started for his 
home, which was reached in a few hours, and a warm welcome 
was accorded me. Remaining there a couple of days, 1 was 
ofi" for Richmond, where I met many old comrades. Learn- 
ing that our brigade was encamped near Harrisonburg. I 
hastened to report for duty and make amends for my •'absence 
without leave." (ieneral Jones greeted me with a cordial 
shake of the hand, saying. " Well. George. I think the 
Yankees have punished you sufficiently for your escapade, 
and I will let you oft'." 

1 found in camp my horse and ecpiipments awaiting my 
return. A few days after joining my regiment our brigade 
started on the famous raid through West X'irginia. and i was 
careful thereafter to make no more visits North dm-ing the 
remainder of the war. 

Looking l)ack. 1 do not regret my little prison episode. It 
gave me an opportunity of seeing that phase of a soldier's 
life generallv esteemed an unpleasant one. It made me fully 
reair^e that our world is made up of all sorts of people; some 
kind noble, and good: others cruel and inhuman. Experience 
has taught me. as it has taught other., that harsh and inhu- 
man treatment was seldom mthctcd by soldiers who had 
served in the fiehl and faced cannon and musket, but came 
from home-guards, who ha.l not smelt powder or crossed 
swords with a foe. Such instincts <lo not accord with cour- 
age " The bravest are the tenderest." 
"^Our Fort Delaware contingent, as will be seen l)y (General 



126 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Halleck's order, made a very narrow escape from prison, for 
within a few days after our exchange, the Federal and Con- 
federate Commissioners of Exchange got into a wrangle over 
Colonel Streight's officers, captured while raiding through 
Georgia, and the affair culminated in the following order and 
a total cessation of exchange of officers : 

War Department, 
Washington, D. C, May 25, 1863. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

No Confederate officers will be paroled or exchanged until 
further orders. Thev will be kept in close confinement, and 
"be stronglv guarded.' Those already paroled will be confined. 
^ ' ^ H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief 

My father, who had been sent to Harper's Ferry for trial 
by court-martial, came under the ban of this general order, 
and that of a special order, as follows: 

Baltimore, Md., May 29, 1863. 
Brigadier-General Kelley, ^ 

Harper's Ferry, Va. : 
Captain Baylor, rebel army, will be placed in close con- 
finement according to orders. 

\V. H. Cheeseborough, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Wdien brought l)efore the court-martial at Harper's Ferry, 
my father haci asked permission to be allowed counsel, and 
had selected John A\'. Kennedy, Esq., of Charlestown, a 
Union man, well known to my father, but the Federal author- 
ities objected to him, and he then selected Mr. Edward 
Cooke, also of Charlestown, but he, too, was persona non 
grata, and not permitted to appear, as will be seen l^y the 
following letter : 

Headquarters First Division Eighth Corps, 

Harper's Ferry, Va., June i, 1863. 
Sir : I am directed by the General Commanding to acknowl- 
edge the receipt of your letter of inquiry of to-day, and to 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. 121 

inform you that a general conrt-manial has been appointed to 
meet at Harper's Ferry for the trial of yourself upon charges 
enclosed. I am directed to inform you that Mr. Cooke is 
more objectionable than Mr. Kennedy as your counsel, and 
that he has no objection to your employing Mr. Pendleton to 
act as such. 

I have the honor to be. ver}- res])ectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

Robert Adams, Jr., 
Captain and Assistant Judge-Advocate. 

^\'hat a travesty on justice and fairness. A prisoner being 
tried for his life and yet denied his choice of counsel, and 
told that he must employ an attorney selected by his adver- 
saries and accusers ! 

After an abortive attempt at a trial at Harper's Ferry, my 
father continued a prisoner at Fort McHenry, but his enemies 
treated him with less rigor, and on the 26th day of December, 
1863, he was given the following parole: 

Fort McHexry, ]\Id., December 26, 1863. 

I, Robert W. Baylor, now a prisoner at Fort ]\IcHenry, 
in consideration of being allowed the privilege of the follow- 
ing grounds — viz. : An area bounded on the north by the 
sea-wall, on the east by the east lines of the brick stables 
projected to the water and to wathin 50 feet of the roadside, 
then south by a line parallel with the road and distant from 
the center thereof 75 feet, and on the west by the east line of 
the easterly long barracks building projected to the water 
and to within 50 feet of the road, do hereby give my parole 
of honor to the commanding ofificer of the post, that I will not 
pass the limits above described except to go to Mrs. Graham's 
for my meals; that I will not attempt to escape nor aid others 
to escape; that I wall have no coiTespondence or communica- 
tion with any person, except sutlers, hucksters, and washer- 
women, who shall have received permission to hold such cor- 
respondence, or with the official of the post. 

Robert W. Baylor. 

Given and subscribed before me at Fort McHenry. Md., 
the 25th day of December. 1863. 

S. P. Webster. 
Lieutenant and CcMumissarv of Prisoners. 



128 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

But there is a sad side to a prisoner's life l)eyond his per- 
sonal trials and hardships, and I must be pardoned for liftino- 
the veil and intruding for a moment into the domestic affairs 
of the family. In Aug-ust. 1863, my eldest brother. Richard 
(who subse(|uently fell mortally wounded at Parker's Store, 
near Fredericksburg, on November 29. 1863,), was married, 
and my father, then confined at Fort McHenry, was apprized 
of the fact, and w-rote the bride the following touching letter: 

" Fort McHenry, Md., August 2y, 1863. 

" My Dear Daughter : I am pained to think I was deprived 
of the pleasure of being present to witness and bless the imion 
of my dear son to the fond one of his choice, but I am none 
the less gratified to receive and welcome you as one of my 
children, and I shall strive to act towards you as one of my 
own. You are now leagued together with us not only in as- 
sociation, sympathy, and family ties, but also in habitation 
and name. Let us learn, therefore, to bear and forbear one 
another; to curb our imperiousness, to repress our impatience, 
to poiu" oil on the billows, instead of adding fuel to the flame 
of passsion, occasioned too often by petty jealousy and com- 
plaints. Let us start out by bearing with one another's 
foibles and excitements and by forgiving one another's 
offences and neglects. I hope and trust you will never let 
any punctilious ceremony prevent you from looking up to 
me as your dear and only earthly father: Inn at the same time, 
my dear daughter, you should not forget you ha\'e a Heavenly 
Father to love and serve, and let me earnestly entreat you to 
ask His guidance and direction in all your worldly actions 
and duties, not only to prepare you for the trials of this life, 
but for death, judgment, and Heaven. I know, if you do. He 
wall give you more comfort and happiness than this world 
can bestow. Your earthl}- lo^■e may not be less deep and 
fervent l)ecause it may l)e subordinate to a love yet higher. 

" You have become the partner in life of my dear and 
devoted son. He has always been a great comfort to me and 
a most dutiful and obedient son. His wife cannot be other 



^BP^I 






01 ^ 

f0 m /I 




^^^^^^mmS(^ 


M^ 








I im 



Warren D. English. 



/JO Bull Run to Bull Run. 

wise. My affection for him shall be equally shared by you. 
You have now new duties and trials. His is a life of great 
peril and danger, and you must not expect to pass through 
this terrible struggle of carnage and blood without many 
gloomy forebodings, and, i)erhaps, the loss of what may 
appear to you as the only tie which binds you to earth; but 
you must struggle against such feelings. You must put your 
trust in God and fear not what man may do unto you and 
yours. You must pray to God to spare 'him, and above all 
to prepare him to meet you in that world where neither death 
nor strife can harm you, should God, in His wisdom, take him 
from you. My home is his home, and must be yours until 
he can provide you a better one. My dear wife is your 
mother; be kind and affectionate to her and try to merit her 
maternal symj^athy and love, and all will work well together. 
Do not let sHght and trivial irritations mar future happiness. 
God alone knows whether we shall all meet again, and after 
all, how few will be the remaining years that can be spent by 
me with my children here, compared with that endlesss 
eternity beyond. I earnestly implore God that it may be His 
will that we may be united again on this earth, and have many 
happy hours together; but if He walls it otherwise, He will 
teach us to look up and say, ' Thy will l)e done.' 

" My dear wife will give you the news. With much love to 
you and all my dear children, farewell. May God make you 
happy, bless you both, and prepare you for an endless eternity 
is the prayer of your fond and affectionate father." 

Our government was not unmindful of its duty in the 
premises and urged upon the Federal authorities action in my 
father's case. As early as possible action was taken. A 
Federal of^cer held as hostage and Colonel Ould, our agent 
of exchange, requested of the Federal authorities my father's 
release. After the trial at Harper's Ferry the following letter 
was sent; 



Bull Run to Bull Run. jji 

Confederate States of America, 

War Department, 
Richmond, Va., July i8, 1863. 

Lieutenant-Colonel William H. Ludlow, 
Agent of Exchange : 

Sir, — Some months ago, 1 called your attention to the 
case of Captain Robert W. Baylor, who was captured last 
year in Virginia, and who was held upon some charges. I 
have understood that after many delays a court was convened 
in his case, but that he was not allowed to choose his own 
counsel, or introduce any witnesses in his behalf, who would 
not take the Federal oath of allegiance. 

Can you inform me what was the finding of the court in 
the case, or whether there was any finding, and if there was 
no finding, what is proposed to be done with Captain Baylor? 
His case is certainly a very hard one. He is entirely innocent 
of the charges preferred against him. He has been a prisoner 
for more than five months and has been very roughly treated. 
Even now he has no bed and not a seat to sit upon. How do 
these things happen? 

I hope this communication will meet a different fate from 
most of the others wherein I have ventured to make specific 
inquiries or bring particular cases to your notice. T trust I 
shall at least receive some answer. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Ro. OULD, 
Agent of Exchange. 

As the information requested in this letter was not gixxn. 
on August 5, 1863, Colonel Ould wrote again: 

Confederate States of America, 

War Department, 

Richmond, Va. 
Brigadier-General S. A. Meredith, 
Agent of Exchange : 

Sir, — On the i8th of July last I addressed two communi- 
cations to Lieutenant-Colonel William H. Ludlow in relation 
to Captain R. ^^^ Baylor. Lee A. Dunn. Captain Comjiton. 
Major Arnessy, Lieutenant Davis. Captain W. F. Gordon, 
and Captain Camp. 1 have received your letter of the 4th 



13^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

instant in answer to those communications. May I request 
of you the favor to read over those communications and ask 
yourself whether the reply is a frank one? Has one substan- 
tial inquiry that I made been answerd? I have had occasion 
frequently heretofore to complain that no notice was taken 
of my inquiries. This sort of notice, however, is little better 
than silence. If your inquiries of me and mine of you are not 
freely and frankly answered, it is useless for us to write. If a 
response cannot be given to the incjuiry, why cannot at least 
that be said? I again request that an answer be given to my 
inquiries of the i8th ultimo. Ro. Ould, 

Agent of Exchange. 

These letters and in(|uiries failed of any favorable result, 
and my father was still detained as a prisoner, even though 
some high in authority on the Federal side were satisfied the 
charges were groundless. On November 17, 1863, Major- 
General Hitchcock reported " that a careful review of the 
testimony has led him to the opinon that a verdict of guilty 
cannot be found on it, and that another trial could not bring- 
out any new evidence, and recommends that Captain Baylor 
be placed on the footing of an ordinary prisoner of war." But 
Judge-Advocate-General Holt, the doughty soldier that 
warred on women and would have crucified the Saviour 
of mankind, dissents from the opinon of General Hitchcock, 
and advocates another trial by court-martial. 

A second court-martial was accordingly convened at Cum- 
berland in Fe1)ruary, 1864, and after the mockery of a trial 
on the charges: 

" Charge i. — Violating a flag of truce. 
" Charge 2. — Murder." 

The specifications of these charges set forth that on the 
/th day of February, 1862, the prisoner exhibited, or caused 
to be exhibited, on the south side of the Potomac river at 
Harper's Ferry a flag of truce, and thereby induced one 
George Rohr, a loyal citizen of the United States and in the 
military service thereof, and in charge of a flag-of-truce boat, 
to proceed across the river toward such flag, and that when 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 133 

said boat had arrived at or near the ])hice at which said flag 
or signal was exhibited it was hred into by the said Baylor 
or by his command, and the said Kohr was fired at and 
wounds inflicted on him, of which he died on the said 7th of 
February, 1862. 

And. although the evidence showed conclusively that there 
was no flag waved from the south side of the river, the boat 
in charge of Rohr was no truce boat, the men in it thoroughly 
armed, and my father at the time in Charlestown, eight miles 
distant, the court found a verdict of guilty; but its finding 
was immediately set aside by General B. F. Kelley, command- 
ing the department, and his action approved by Secretary 
of War Stanton, and the prisoner ordered held for exchange. 

The flag of truce on the south side of the stream was Uncle 
John Sorrell, a servant of my father's, shouting across the 
river to the Yankees to come over and get him, that he 
wanted to get over, and the crew^ of the boat were pirates and 
robbers, fully armed, crossing the river for the purpose of 
aiding and helping Uncle John to escape. But Uncle John 
was true to his colors, and having accomplished his ruse dc 
guerre, made tracks for Charlestown and left his quondam 
friends to the mercy of a picket detail of my father's company 
stationed under the trestling of the Baltimore and Ohio rail- 
road at this point. When Uncle John heard of the treatment 
my father received on account of this affair, he lived in holy 
horror of falling into the Yankees' hands, and remained with 
the company during the war, and died some years after the 
war at the old homestead, where he was kindly cared for by 
my father and family. 

After the second trial my father continued a prisoner with 
no intimation of an exchange, so on the 29th of February, 
1864. he addressed the following letter: 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

Secretary of W' ar : 
Sir. — I have been a prisoner fifteen months. I was cap- 
tured in December, 1862, being at the time severely wounded 



134 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

in the lungs, and the long confinement and exposure I have 
been compelled to endure has tended greatly to increase my 
feebleness. 

I have been held under charges which I never com- 
mitted, which many of your of^cers, high in rank, who were 
familiar with the circumstances, could attest. 

These charges have been removed, and I am now held 
as a ])risoner of war, for exchange. I was captured prior to 
any interruption of exchanges under the cartel. All officers 
captured month's after have been exchanged. I was held 
under charges which, being removed, should entitle me to an 
immediate exchange. 

If }'ou should reject the above application for my ex- 
change, can I not be permitted to go South, on parole for a 
period of sixty or ninety days, with the understanding that 
if my government will not release an officer of equal rank now 
held by it, I will return to captivity at the expiration of the 
parole? Very respectfully, 

Robert W. Baylor, 
Captain Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. 

But the above application for exchange and parole were 
refused, and my father remained in close confinement until 
October, 1864, ^ period of twenty-two months in all, when he 
was finally exchanged and released from a cruel barbarity. 
Holy Writ teaches us there is a great tribunal where justice 
is fully administered and the wrongs of this world are righted^ 
Somebody must answer for the misery caused and the cruelty 
inflicted on my father, and I will only say, as one of our pious 
artillerymen used to pray, as he touched ofl^ his guns, " May 
the Lord have mercv on their souls." 




Wm. C. Frazier. 



CHAPTER X. 

The fierceness of the fight! How saber drove 
At sword! How swift and strong the strokes that fell! 
Their dreadful deeds I pass unsung; they dwell 

With unessential night, whose awful screen, 

Hid them from notice; they were deeds that well 

Deserved a noon-day sun, and to have been 

By the whole world at once in cloudless glory seen. 



On the 2 1 St of April, oiir l)rigcule, under General William 
E. Jones, broke camp at Lacey Springs, Rockingham county, 
Virginia, and moved westward across the mountains on what 
was familiarly known as Jones's West Virginia raid. 

On arriving at Moorefield we found the Potomac swollen 
by recent rains and impassable. The brigade was compelled 
to ascend the river to Petersburg to effect a crossing, and 
even at that point the passage was attended with danger and 
loss of life, and our artillery, the loss of which was soon 
realized, had to abandon the trip and return to the Valley. 

The passage of the Potomac was alarming and exciting and 
many sad and many laughable incidents occurred. Some 
feared to cross and remained anxious spectators on the bank. 
Two men in the Sixth Cavalry were drowned. Sergeant-Major 
Figgat, of the Twelfth, was swept froni his horse, but saved 
himself by grasping his horse's tail, and was safely landed 
with his steed about a quarter of a mile below. Many of our 
of^cers and men prepared themselves for the emergency by 
shifting their coats and arms to their horses, and making all 
necessary preparation for a struggle with the waters. As the 
art of swimming was unknown to me, I trusted in God alone 
to bear me safely over. I remember yet the depressing still- 
ness of the men on this occasion, as the column slowly moved 
through the water. The Israelites never moved through the 

[136] 



Pull Run to Bull Run. 13/ 

Red Sea with more awe and solemnity. As we neared the 
opposite bank, beyond the danger line, this awful silence 
was broken 1)\- the stentorian voice of Sergeant 'rriissell, 
" Close up, men; bear up tlie stream." This great (lis])lay of 
courage, after the crisis was jiassed, caused much mirth 
among the boys at the Sergeant's ex])ense, and the order 
was often repeated along our journey, never failing to pro- 
voke laughter and jollity. 

On arriving at Greenland Gap we sorely missed our artil- 
lery, as the enemv was found in buildings conunanding the 
pass and his dislodgment cost us a loss of six men killed and 
twenty wounded. With one piece of artillery this loss would 
have been avoided and precious time saved. 

In the attack on this place, seventy-live prisoners, arms, 
and equipments, and several w^agons were captured. Hurry- 
ing on from Greenland Gap and reaching the Northwestern 
Grade, the Maryland Battalion and the Tw^elfth Cavalry were 
sent to Oakland. Company B had the advance, and entered 
Oakland at 11 A. M. on the 27th of April (Sunday), and sur- 
prised and captured a company of tifty-seven infantry and 
three officers. Many of the Federal soldiers were found 
(much to their credit) at church with their sweethearts, and 
it was with much regret that we were compelled to sunder 
these loving hearts for a short time. We found the girls 
more pug-nacious and less tractable than the men. A very 
pious member of our company, ordered to arrest a \ ankee 
who was walking with a girl, approached the couple with a 
courtly bow. tipping his hat and courteously informing the 
combatant he was a prisoner. The soldier recognized the 
situation and succuml)ed at once, but the girl broke out^ in 
a most awful tirade of abuse, which culminated in. " You 
l)al(l-heade(l son of a ."' As our pious conu-ade re- 
turned with his prisoner, he exclaimed, " Please God. 1 never 
heard a woman talk that way before." 

It was on this occasion that ex-Postmaster-General Wilson 
humorouslv accosted a lady, apparently not pleased with the 



13S Bull Run to Bull Run. 

new visitors, and asked if she did not think " the rebels were 
better looking than the Yankees," to which she contemptu- 
ously replied : " You good looking ! You look like your mous- 
tache had been dyed three weeks in buttermilk." This was 
not very Mattering to the pride of our embryo Postmaster- 
General, who even yet prides himself on that moustache. 

Destroying the railroad bridges east of the town, the rail- 
road and turnpike bridges over the Youghieny, and a train 
of cars, our column moved on Cranberry Summit (now Terra 
Alta), capturing a lot of maple sugar and fifteen soldiers and 
twenty home-guards, who were paroled and released, as were 
also the prisoners taken at Oakland. 

Moving rapidly west, Kingwood and Morgantown were 
entered without opposition, and on the morning of the 28th, 
our force rejoined General Jones and the remainder of the 
brigade near Independence. 

While in Morgantowai our boys cut down the Stars and 
Stripes, found floating from the top of a tall flag-pole near 
the court-house, and as I have no expectation of running for 
office, I must, in justice to the truth of history, penitently 
acknowledge that I was an accessory before, in, and after the 
fact. It was while in this town that two of the most gallant 
and chivalrous members of Company B were with difficulty 
prevented from fighting a duel in the street of the town over 
the charms of one of its fair ladies. After resting a few hours 
near Independence, we again entered Morgantown, capturing 
many fine horses, which had been successfully run off at our 
first entrance and l)rought back after it was supposed our 
forces had made their final departure. Hon. W. L. Wilson's 
canvass for Congress in after years was much burdened by 
the ca])ture of these horses, as he was charged with having 
stolen them all. 

Passing over the bridge at Morgantown, we started in the 
direction of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, but prudence counsel- 
ling us that a further advance into the enemy's country was 
dangerous, in the extreme, we counter-marched and moved 
south. 



Bull Run to Bull Run. i^p 

On the 29th our brig-ade attacked Fairmont, which was 
defended by 400 infantry and 300 home-guards. As the 
enemy seemed incHned to (Hspute our entrance, the larger 
part of our command was dismounted and the assault begun. 
Our squadron (Companies B and I), under command of the 
gallant Captain Charles T. O'Ferrall (now ex-CoNcrnor of 
V^irginia), were directed to reconnoiter on our right, where, 
being assured a charge would l)e successful, we dashed into 
the town and the enemy fled in confusion. Finding the 
flooring of the suspension bridge torn up, we speedily relaid 
it, and our regiment and a portion of White's Battalion cross- 
ed, and, passing up to the railroad bridge, found it guarded 
l)y 300 men. After a vigorous assault on both sides of the 
river, the enemy raised the white flag, and 275 prisoners were 
secured. A few' moments after the enemy stacked arms, a 
train with artillery and infantry arrived to reinforce this 
guard, but they were met by our men and soon forced to re- 
treat. 

The bridge was destroyed. One piece of artillery, 300 
small-arms, and many horses were captured, twelve men 
killed, and twenty wounded. Our loss was three wounded. 
Leaving our wounded in the hands ot friends, at dark we re- 
sumed our march, and the next day reached Bridgeport, 
where forty-seven prisoners, arms, and horses were cai)tured, 
a bridge destroyed, a train run into the stream, and the trest- 
ling burned. Continuing our march, we entered Fhilippi 
about noon the next day. From Philippi wc nioxed to Buck- 
hannon. where we found General Iml)oden, and after a short 
halt proceeded to \\>ston. 

On May 6th, a portion of our brigade, including the 
Twelfth regiment, moved to West Union, where the bridges 
to the right and left of the town w-ere burned and ninety-four 
prisoners taken and paroled. On the 9th we reached Oil 
Town, where a large accumulation of oil on the banks of the 
river was set on Are, and the burning fluid, spreading o\'er 
the river, the novel spectacle of a river on Are was presented. 



140 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

and some fleeing- l)oatmen just ahead of the rolhng- flames ren- 
dered the scene exciting indeed. From Oil Town we jour- 
neyed to (ilenvifle, Sutton, and Summersville, where we re- 
joined (ieneral Imhoden. From this point we returned by 
slow marches to the V^alley. In thirty days our brigade 
travelled nearly 700 miles, killed twenty-five to thirty of the 
eneni}', wounded se\enty-flve to eighty, captured 700 prison- 
ers, with their arms and equipments, one piece of artillery, 
two trains of cars, burned sixteen railroad l)ridges, and de- 
stroyed one tunnel. 150,000 barrels of oil, and brought home 
with us about 1,200 horses and 1,000 cattle. The consterna- 
tion caused among the enemy by this raid was astonishing, 
as will appear from a few telegrams : 

Wheeling, April 28, 1863. 

General Ripley: Post-of^ce and banks are all packing up 
to leave; 1.500 Imboden's Cavalry within thirty miles. I 
have no men nor trains. Shall I blow up the depot in case 
it is necessary? A. R. Buffington, 

Captain of Ordnance. 

Washington, April 28, 1863. 

A^Iajor-General Schenck, Baltimore, Md. : 

Have you no troops in Pennsylvania and Maryland wdiich 
can promptly be thrown into Wheeling by the Pennsylvania 
railroad? The enemy seems to march more rapidly than we 
move by rail. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 

Washington, April 29, 1863. 

Major-General Schenck, Baltimore, Md. : 

Two companies have gone from Sandusky to Wheeling, 
and Governor Todd has also sent, it is said, some others to the 
same place. The enemy's raid is variously estimated at from 
1,500 to 4.000. You have 40.000 under your command. If 
you cannot concentrate enough to meet the enemy, it does 
not argue well for vour militarv dispositions. 

' H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief. 




Jos. D. Fry. 



14^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Hakrisburg, April 28, 1863. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton: 

It is reported to me that the rebels have taken and now 
hold Morgantown in force. Please say if you have any infor- 
mation, and if force will be sent on. if there. We have no 
force in the State, and you could send troops before we could 
organize an}-. A. G. Curtin, 

Governor of Pennsylvania. 

But President Lincoln, with his usual sagacity, sums up 
the situation in a nutshell, and replies: 

Hon. A. G. Curtin : 

I do not think the people of Pennsylvania should be 
uneasy about an invasion. Doubtless a small force of the 
eneniA' is flourishing about in the northern part of Virginia 
on the " screwhorn " principle, on- purpose to divert us in 
another quarter. I believe it is nothing more. We think we 
have adequate force close after them. A. Lincoln. 

Our brigade reached the Valley the latter part of May, and 
in the flrst part of June crossed the Blue Ridge and joined 
the ca\'alry corps under General Stuart near Culpeper Court- 
house. On the /th. General Stuart had his great cavalry re- 
view on the plains near Brandy Station, and on the 8th, Gen- 
eral R. E. Lee reviewed us, preparatory to a forward move- 
ment on the 9th; but the enemy anticipated this movement 
by crossing the river with the Federal cavalry corps under 
General Pleasanton, 10,000 strong, and two brigades of in- 
fantry. Early on the morning of the c;th, the ball was opened 
north of Brandy Station near St. James church, the enemy 
driving in our pickets and attacking the reserve of the Sixth 
Virginia Cavalry of our brigade about 6 A. M. Our regi- 
ment, which was camped near, was hastened forward to re- 
inforce the Sixth, and the fight soon became animated, charge 
and counter-charge, first one side, then the other being the 
■\'ictor. The two op]:)osing forces of cavalry were nearly equal 
in mnnbers, about 10.000 on either side, the Federals having 
the adxantage alone in the infantry support. The fighting 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 143 

on the center of the line was entirely on horseback, and the 
gronnd was well adapted to cax-alry movements. Here was 
fought the greatest cavalry engagement of the war. and 
fought in real cavalry style and manner. The sight was 
grand. Sabers clashed and horses and riders fell together. 

Our first onset was with the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
and as we drove them back from our guns, which were almost 
in their grasp, to the woods from which they had emerged, 
another regiment issued forth to its aid, met and repulsed our 
charge, and soon they in turn were repulsed. These charges 
and counter-charges continued until noon, without any de- 
cisive advantage to either side, but with considerable loss to 
both, in men and horses. 

At this critical juncture, our regiment and White's Bat- 
talion were ordered to repair in haste to Fleetwood Hill, 
about a mile in our rear, to meet a column of Federal cavalry 
under General Gregg which had passed to our right and rear 
and was in possession of Brandy Station. 

The Twelfth regiment moved ofT in a gallop. Company B 
in the advance, with instructions to charge the enemv as 
soon as he appeared in sight. The regiment, in the great 
haste with which it repaired to the point designated, became 
much scattered and lengthened out. with Company B consid- 
erably in advance. \\'hen the summit of Fleetwood Hill was 
gained, we discovered the enemy's cavalry, which proved to 
be the First Maryland, coming up the southern slope of the 
hill, in platoons, with its flag and guidons fluttering m the 
breeze, closelv followed by the First Pennsylvania and the 
First New Jersev to our left, all under the command of Colo- 
nel (Sir Percv)'\Vvndham. who. in 1862. our brigade had 
captured near Cross Keys. These Federal regiments pre- 
sented a beautiful, but awe-inspiring, sight to .)ur little troop: 
but Lieutenant Rouss, in obedience to orders, gave the com- 
mand to charge, and down the slope we darted, striking the 
head of the column an<l throwing it into rout and confusion. 
But our success was of short duration, for the First Pennsyl- 



144 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

vania, now charging-, by force of numbers pressed our com- 
])any back to the top of tlie hill, when the residue of the 
Twelfth regiment coming u}). the fight for the possession of 
the hill became general. 

Colonel Wyndham, in his oificial report referring to this 
])art of the engagement, savs : 

" The First Maryland, which consisted of little more than 
a scpiadron, led l)y Lieutenant-Colonel Deems, charged, but 
were met by fully a regiment of the enemv. posted l)ehind 
the buildings and drawn up in the garden and orchard, and, 
after a brief and spirited fight, were compelled to fall back. 
The First Pennsylvania coming up, charged next. Colonel 
Ta}'lor, leading part of the regiment, struck the enemy in 
front, while Lieutenant-Colonel Gardner, w'ith the balance, 
dashed on his flank next to the house. Attacked at both 
])oints, he was forced back, cut ofi" from the house, his rear 
gained, and driven from his coxer into the open ])lain below, 
where he was again met by the First Maryland Cavalry, 
which had rallied. Thus assailed on both sides, his force was 
completely scattered, a large numl)er being killed, wounded, 
or captured. My loss is one officer killed and fourteen 
wounded or missing; fourteen men killed and 120 wounded 
or missing." 

Colonel Broderick, of the First New Jersey, was killed, 
and Colonel ^^^yndham, conmianding the brigade, wounded. 
The return of the casualties of this brigade, as compiled, 
makes the number larger than Colonel Wyndham's report, 
and is as follows: "Three of^cers killed and fifteen e^nlisted 
men; ten officers wounded and forty-two enlisted men; two 
officers captured and seventy-eight enlisted men, the aggre- 
gate loss in the First Maryland alone being sixty-three." 

^^dfile the Twelfth Cavalry was wrestling with the enemy 
for the possession of Fleetwood Hill, Colonel White, with his 
battalion, arrived, and, making a gallant charge, drove the 
enemy l)ack and seized their guns, just planted to the south 
of the hill; but after holding them for a few minutes was 



Bull Run to Bull Run. i.j^ 

driven l)ack. (ieneral Stnart in person now joined ns in the 
fight, and the contest was renewed with increased vigor under 
General Stuart's personal leadership, without much regi- 
mental or company organization, but more as a body-guard. 
Several times the enemy reached our guns, which had taken 
position on the liill and had l)ecome our rallying point; but 
after a desperate struggle, had been driven back in confusion 
and with great loss. We were now fighting Gregg's entire 
division of cavalry and Russell's brigade of infantry. 

At this juncture, the Sixth, Seventh, and Eleventh Vir- 
g-inia Cavalry of our brigade came up, and, charging the 
enemy, captured their guns and drove them back and away 
from Brandy Station, causing Gregg to retreat in rout and 
confusion, and so the day's fight was virtually ended. 

General Pleasanton at ii A. M., while our brigade was 
fighting him near St. James church, reports as follow^s : 

" General : All the enemy's forces are engaged with me. 
I am holding them until Gregg can come up. Gregg's guns 
are being heard in the enemy's rear." 

But at 12:30 P. ]\I., after Gregg had been driven from our 
rear, he again reports : 

" General Gregg has joined me, and I will now attack the 
enemy vigorously with my whole force. Prisoners report 
that Stuart has 30,000 cavalry here. Both Lees, Jones, and 
Hampton are with him. We have had a sharp fight and have 
lost heavily, as we had the whole force in front of one-half of 
my command. Colonel Davis, Eighth New York, and Cap- 
tain Canfield, Second United States Cavalry, are killed; 
Major Morris, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, is a prisoner, with 
a number of others. We have about 100 in hospital, wound- 
ed, Major Beveridge, Eighth Blinois, among the number. 
Buford and Ames have driven the enemy's whole force out 
of his strongest position. // would be ivcll to send a good force 
of the Fifth Corps toward Brandy Station, if it can be spared." 

When the enemy doubles and trebles the opposing force, 
10 



146 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

it may be assumed his fears have gotten the better of him; but 
when he calls for help, you may rest assured he has gotten 
enough, and so it was with Pleasanton. His vigorous attack 
was made in his report only. He was more than satisfied, 
and rested from his labors, and the great fight was virtually 
ended. 

We had fought the whole day without anything to eat or 
drink, and with no food or water for our horses, and we were 
glad of an opportunity for both to get refreshment. Com- 
pany B lost in the fight near St. James church : Hec. Isler, 
killed; and at Fleetwood HilK George Lewis, Up. Manning, 
and Warren McKown, killed; and four men wounded, and 
Lieutenant Roiiss and Buck Ranson, the former of whom re- 
mained a prisoner until the close of the war, prisoners. 

The loss in our corps was severe in both men and horses, 
but not so great as that of the enemy. General Pleasanton 
admits a loss of 907, while General Stuart reports- his loss at 
480. The field between Brandy Station and the river was 
dotted over with dead men and horses. There were other 
battles during the war between the opposing cavalry forces, 
where fully as large numbers were engaged, but these en- 
gagements were fought in great part by dismounted cavalry, 
while Brandy Station was unique in that it was a distinctly 
cavalry fight, the horses suffering e(|ually with the riders, 
and individual prowess and daring was more conspicuous. 

In this engagement on our side were the three cavalry di- 
visions of Fitz Lee, W. H. F. Lee. and Hampton and the 
horse artillery, while Pleasanton had the three divisions of 
Gregg, Buford. and Kilpatrick, and the infantry brigades of 
Ames and Russell, with the horse artillery, both infantry bri- 
gades being actively engaged in the fight. 

While the enemy's cavalry and infantry had met a repulse 
and severe loss, the cavalry had gained confidence in them- 
selves, and this body of men, who, prior to this time, had 
afforded us more amusement than work, had now emerged 
from their state of inefficiency and had become foemen 
worthy of our steel. 



James Nelson Gallaher. 



CHAPTER XL 

O! there are men who linger on the stage 

To gather crumbs and fragments of applause 

When they should sleep in earth — who, like the moon, 

Have brightened up some little night of time, 

And 'stead of setting when their light is worn, 

Still linger, like its blank and beamless- orb. 

When daylight fills the sky. 

Ale.ra^idrr Smith. 

A few days after the fight at Brandy Station, our cavalry 
cor])s moved in the direction of Fanquier cotmty, interposing 
l)et\veen the Federal army and General Lee's infantry 
colnmn, passing down the Shenandoah Valley. The move- 
ments of onr arm}- prodnced consternation in the enemy's 
camp. Hooker was sc^ dazed he did not know what to do, 
and was constantly worrying President Lincoln abotit the 
sittiation. It was at this time that Lincohi sent him this 
nnicpie and canstic message: 

Washington, D. C, Jnne 14, 1863. 

Major-General Hooker: 

So far as we can make out here, the enemy have Milroy 
strrrounded at Winchester and Tyler at Martinsburg. If they 
cotild hold out a few days, could you help them? If the head 
of Lee's army is at Martinsburg and the tail of it on the Plank 
road, between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the ani- 
mal must be very slim somewhere. Could you not break 
him? 

On the 19th, our brigade reached LInion, in Loudoun 
cottnty, where position was taken on Stuart's left. On the 
morning of the 21st, brisk firing was heard in the direction 
of Middleburg; soon after, Jones's and Chambliss's brigades 
were attacked by Buford's Division. Our position was main- 
tained until noon, when Generals Jones and Chambliss were 
[148] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



149 



ordered to retire in llie direction of Upperville. As Upper- 
ville was approaclied, it was apparent the enemy were driving 
General Stuart on the MickHeburg turnjiike and were then 
in close proxiniit\' to LIppcrxille. and a detlection to oiu" 
right was necessary- to effect a junction witli Stuart's forces. 

While in the execution of this move, our l)riga(le was vigo- 
rously assailed by Buford's Division and a severe contest en- 
sued. Ou\- artillery was cpiickly brought into action; our 
regiments, one after another, were drawn into the fight, and 
after a brisk contest the enemy was driven back. 

In the hottest of the engagement our scjuadron com- 
mander, Captain Charles T. O'Ferrall. severely wounded and 
supposed to be killed, was carried from the field on horse- 
back in front of one of our men. His true condition was not 
ascertained until a place of safety was reached and his body 
was being placed in an ambulance. The contest around 
Upperville was spirited on both sides, but opposing numbers 
were too great, and we were forced back to Paris, fighting 
each step of the way. We engaged on this occasion Gregg's 
and Buford's divisions of cavalry, three brigades each, and 
Vincent's brigade of infantry; on our side we had Hampton's, 
Robertson's, Chambliss's, and Jones's brigades; yet with this 
disparity in numbers, it had required the longest day of the 
year to drive us six miles. 

About the close of the fight I witnessed a charge on the 
enemy led by that sturdy old soldier, General Wade Hamp- 
ton. Gregg and Buford were pressing our forces near Paris 
quite vigorously, and one of their regiments had the temerity 
to charge into our slowly retreating colunm, when Hampton, 
seemingly angered, looking a verital)le god of war, drew his 
sal)er, called to the First North Carolina to follow him, 
plunged into the charging colunm of the enemy, and soon 
reversed the situation. The hostile force vanished under the 
saber strokes of the General and his men. The enemy, 
severely punished, did not molest us further. 

The relations between Generals Stuart and Jones were by 



130 Bull Run to Brill Run. 

no means cordial, and this unfriendliness was the source of 
much regret to ofificers and men of our brigade, who esteemed 
both generals highly. When Stuart, therefore, obtained per- 
mission to pass around the Federal army and between it and 
Washington, the brigades of Hampton, Fitz Lee, and W. H. 
F. Lee were selected, and Jones and Robertson left behind 
to protect the right flank of Lee's army on its march north 
of the Potomac. 

Our brigade remained in Loudoun county until it was as- 
certained that Hooker had crossed the Potomac into Mary- 
land, then crossed into the Shenandoah Valley, and General 
Jones, leaving the Twelfth regiment in Jefi"erson to picket 
and watch the movements of the enemy (who still occupied 
Harper's Ferry) on the right and rear of General Lee's army, 
crossed the Potomac with the remainder of the brigade and 
joined General Lee. 

Company B was posted to watch and observe any move- 
ment from Harper's Ferry. On the 30th, having obtained 
permission from Colonel Massie, commanding regiment, 
to attack the enemy's cavalry picket reserve in Bolivar, just 
before daybreak, with 40 men of Company B, we evaded the 
outer picket by passing close along the banks of the Potomac 
and under the shadow of Bolivar Heights, until the rear of 
the town was reached; then, pressing rapidly into the town, 
we found the reserve asleep, and, killing one in the melee, 
captured one of^cer, 19 men, 21 horses and equipments, with- 
out loss and brought them safely into camp. 

In his ol^cial report. Colonel Massie says: " The affair was 
well planned and gallantly executed." 

On the next day, July ist, the enemy withdrew his forces 
from the south side of the Potomac, and Company B took 
possession of Harper's Ferry, finding commisssary, quarter- 
master, and ordnance stores, abandoned by the enemy. On 
the 3d we crossed the river and scouted down to within five 
miles of Frederick City, without encountering any force of 
the enemy. At this time, the guns were booming at Gettys- 



Bull Run to Bull Rim. 151 

burg, and the great l)attle was in progress. On tlie /tli, the 
enemy reoccupied Maryland Heights and on the 14th crossed 
the Potomac. 

Colonel Harman. who had been wounded at Brandy 
Station, returned and took conunand of the regiment, then 
camped about a mile west of Charlestown. On resuming 
command, he called for Company B, and moved us down the 
turnpike as far as Halltown, where Company K's reserve 
was posted. Then, taking a squad of six men with him, he 
moved to the front in the direction of Bolivar. A short time 
afterwards, hearing- some firing in that direction, Company 
B was ordered to mount, and had just crossed the railroad at 
Halltown, when the Federal cavalry appeared, pursuing some 
of our men, who had gone forw^ard with Colonel Harman. 
A charge was ordered, and the enemy was met in the stream. 
We soon turned the tide and pursued to beyond Bolivar 
Heights, capturing one major, one lieutenant, 30 men, and 
31 horses and equipments, and killing and wounding several. 

Captain Blakelee, commanding the First Connecticut 
Cavalry, in his official report of this affair to General Naglee, 
says : 

'' Major Farnsworth, myself and 50 men, crossed the Poto- 
mac by order of General Naglee, to reconnoiter the enemy's 
position beyond Bolivar Heights and ascertain their strength. 
About two miles from Harper's Ferry the advance guard 
(18 men), under myself, charged upon the pickets of the 
enemy, num])ering about 30 men, and drove them in confu- 
sion back on their reserve. Major Farnsworth coming up, 
now charged on the whole reserve of the enemy, about 200 
strong. The eneni}- charged, and it became a fierce hand-to- 
hand fight, in w^hich, owing to the disparity of our numbers, 
they repulsed us and rescued several prisoners whom we had 
previously taken, and I am sorry to add, captured Major 
Farnsworth and 24 men. The Major's horse w^as shot under 
him, and he fought most gallantly on foot with his saber, 
until he was overpowered and taken prisoner." 



1^2 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

The gailant captain has reversed our numbers; we had the 
50 men and the Major had the 200. 

It was while engaged on this picket duty and prior to the 
reoccupation of Harper's Ferry by the Federal army, that 
late one evening I was visited by our Lieutenant-Colonel and 
a gallant captain (now dead), who informed me of a little 
project they had on hand for the nig-ht, and in which they 
needed the assistance of myself and some half-dozen trusty 
men. 1 made the selection, the scheme was unfolded and the 
reward promised, which was suiiticient inducement of itself 
for our hearty co-operation. About 10 P. M. our little party 
passed through and beyond our picket lines and entered the 
lower part of Harper's Ferry, where our horses were fastened 
and the house of a lady known to us, by reputation at least, 
entered. Here two men were found, who said they had 
crossed the Potomac that night with a considerable lot of 
goods, which they wished to take into the Confederate lines. 
We were requested by these men and instructed by our Col- 
onel to treat them roughly, so as to impress the people of 
Harper's Ferry with the idea that they were our unwilling 
captives. Accordingly some of the boys, versed in the art 
of swearing, lavished on them a few of their choicest oaths, 
while Henry Beall, remarking to me that he believed they 
were real, veritable Yankees, walked up to one of them and 
landed his foot rather severely in his rear. The fellow, as he 
rubbed the spot to ease the pain, looked as if he thought that 
felt too genuine for a sham and partook more of the vicious- 
ness of the mule than the gentleness of the lady. The goods 
were gathered together and placed in Old Man Nat. Allison's 
wagon, which was impressed for the purpose, and with the 
two men as prisoners, we passed within our lines and halted 
near our reserve, where Company B's contingent received a 
handsome donation for its services, my portion being a pair 
of cavalry boots, a pair of gauntlets, a couple of overshirts, 
and some handkerchiefs — quite a handsome outfit for the 
times. 




Jno. Shannon Gallaher. 



154 Bull Rim to Bull Run. 

Here the Colonel and the Captam took charge of the men 
and wagon and moved off in the direction of Charlestown. 
The next day I was informed that these men had been arrested 
by order of General Lee as spies and their goods confiscated. 
General Lee's army was then encamped near Bunker Hill. I 
also learned that the General was seeking information as to 
how the men and goods got through his lines, and we were 
requested by our Colonel to keep cpuet on the subject, which 
we did. Whether or not these men were spies, I know not, 
but I do know they did not make much profit on those goods. 
I always felt that our conduct in this matter was questionable, 
notwithstanding the fact that it was authorized and sanctioned 
by a superior officer. Our portion of the g'oods, however, 
served a good purpose and supplied our particular needs. 

The Federal army having crossed the Potomac below Har- 
per's Ferry, moved in the direction of Culpeper. Our army 
hastened to confront it, and our brigade, after several unim- 
portant skirmishes, took up position near Culpeper Court- 
house, in the nighborhood of Brandy Station, where it re- 
mained ((uiet until September 13th, when the enemy advanced, 
drove it through Culpeper and across the Rapidan, capturing 
three pieces of Thomson's battery, which, through inadvert- 
ence or negligence, had been left without support in an ex- 
posed position. In this engagement our brigade, commanded 
by General Lomax, was opposed by the divisions of Buford 
and Kilpatrick, and received no assistance until south of Cul- 
])eper, where it was joined by the brigade of W. H. F. Lee. 
While stationed at Culpeper, General Jones was assigned to 
the command of the Valley Department, and took leave of the 
brigade he had so successfully commanded for more than a 
year past, much to the regret of its men, who had formed for 
him an ardent attachment. Colonel Lomax was made briga- 
dier and assigned to the command in his stead, much to the 
chagrin of the Twelfth, if not of the whole brigade. General 
Lomax had l^een a school-mate of General Stuart at West 
Point, and owed his promotion more to the clanish feeling 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 155 

existing" among' the gnulualcs of that institution than to any 
merit as a leader of men, and to the fact that lie had acted 
gallantly in some Indian hgiit with Stnari when all retreat 
was cut off. lie ought to have died then! West Pointers 
were rather disposed to assume that they knew all that could 
be learned in the art of war, and that a soldier from civil life 
was a mere gawk and machine. They had ncj use and no 
kind word for such men as Forrest, a born prince among men 
and a natural genius in the art of war. Lomax was a very 
strict disciplinarian, fully imbued with the idea that discipline 
was the alpha and the omega of a soldier's (jualification, and 
that individual valor and courage were' naught in the contiict. 
Our brigade, composed of noble, high-born spirits, accus- 
tomed to the lenient authority prevailing among the volun- 
teer soldiery, naturally rebelled at the adoption of the austere 
rules and regulations prescribed by Lomax. The result of 
the Culpeper light was not unexpected in the brigade, and 
was due in large measure to the unpopularity of its leader. 
A horse may be led to the trough, but kindness and gentle- 
ness will make him drink much sooner than force. 

One morning, just prior to the Culpeper hght, 1 was sur- 
prised at the number of absentees from roll-call in Company 
B, and on inquiry of the Orderly Sergeant, was informed that 
a dozen or more of the company had gone to Jefferson, on 
what soldiers termed a flank. As required by orders, the fact 
was reported by me to regimental headquarters; the Colonel 
reported it to brigade headquarters, and in a few moments 
thereafter 1 received orders to report in person to (ieneral 
Lomax. I found the (ieneral in a surly mood, inquiring about 
the absentees, and he called them deserters. I frankly dis- 
closed the fact that the boys had gone home, some to get fresh 
horses, others to get winter clothes, and said I was assured 
they would be back in a few days. The General then said: 
"Do you think tliey will ever come back?" to which I in- 
dignantly answered, '" 1 know they will come back: they are 
o'entlemcn." " Well," said the doughtv General, " I will have 



1^6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

some of these gentlemen shot." I then mounted and returned 
to camp, consohng- myself with the thought that if any of 
those gentlemen were shot, a general not so much of a gen- 
tleman would be shot also. 

The absentees returned in a few days, bringing with them 
as a peace offering several prisoners, whom they had captured 
in Jefferson, and, most fortunately for them, the bloody-shirt 
disciplinarian had the day before their return, been removed 
from our brigade. Colonel Funsten, a gentleman by birth and 
education and a soldier from patriotism and not by profes- 
sion, was in command, and the boys escaped all punishment. 
But for this change in commanders, Washington would have 
lost an eminent physician, Atlanta a prominent lawyer, Cali- 
fornia a representative in Congress, the revenue-tariff bill its 
author, Cleveland his Postmaster-General, Washington and 
Lee University its president, and the government itself an 
office-holder, who assumed office as a spoilsman, and now 
retains it as a civil-service reformer. 

On the 2 1st I was directed by General Stuart to take 20 
men, get in rear of a column of the enemy's cavalry passing 
in the direction of Madison Courthouse and ascertain its 
numbers and composition. During my absence on this scout, 
Buford and Kilpatrick's divisions having reached Madison 
Courthouse, separated, Buford moving down the Gordonsville 
turnpike, while Kilpatrick moved down the Orange Court- 
house road, with orders to meet Buford at or near Jack's Shop 
and Burtonsville. Stuart moved back and attacked Buford near 
Jack's Shop, and while engaged in a severe contest with him, 
learned that Kilpatrick was in his rear, cutting him off from 
the ford at Liberty Mills. He immediately disposed his f(M-ces 
to meet this new danger, and the battle was soon limited to a 
narrow space between these two forces of the enemy. Our 
artillery, from the same position, was firing in both directions, 
and the enemy's bullets were passing both ways over our lines. 

At this juncture, the Twelfth regiment was directed to 
charge the enemy in the rear. This order was gallantly exe- 



Dull Run lo Bull Run. 757 

cuted, and Kilpatrick's men were driven from the road and 
the ford, and Stuart, retirino- from Rnford's front, passed his 
artillery and men safely over the river, and the fif^ht was 
ended. 

Tn this engagement Tad Raney. a brave soldier of Company 
B, was killed, and B. C. Washing^ton eng-ag-ed in hand-to-hand 
saber contest with Major McTrwin, of the Second New York 
Cavalry. Washing^ton being- left-handed, held his saber in 
his left hand, Avhile the Major, a West Pointer, versed in mili- 
tary art, held his in the right. Washington made the first 
pass, and the skillful Major attempted to parry his blow, but 
his saber being- constructed to guard against a right-hand 
antagonist, Washington's saber struck the Major's, passed 
down the blade, and there being no guard on that side, the 
blow fell on the Major's hand, causing him to drop his 
weapon, and Washington, taking advantage of the situation, 
forced his surrender. Tn speaking of this contest, while a 
prisoner, the Major said he had never been taught to fight 
with a left-handed man. ^^^hen Washington brought the 
Major to General Stuart, he recognized him. and said. " Hello. 
Mclrwin. what are you doing here? I paroled you in Penn- 
sylvania." " Yes," said the Major, " but our people would 
not recognize your parole and ordered me to duty." The 
Major's horse and trappings were given to Washington, and 
the Major sent to the rear. For gallant conduct on this and 
other occasions, Washington was made second lieutenant in 
Company B. 

General Davis, in his report of this engagement, speaking 
of the Second New York, says : " Their loss was, however, 
very heavy, and we have to mourn over many gallant officers 
and brave men who fell into the hands of the enemy. Major 
McTrwin. Captain TTasty, T.ieutenants Jones and Temple, with 
69 brave men. fell into the hands of the enemy." 

While these scenes were being enacted. T had returned to 
our deserted camp, with the information for which T was sent. 
but found no one to receive it. 



15^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Having ascertained that Stnart had fallen back, and that 
the enemy was between us and our forces, I moved my little 
posse, much increased by some 30 men of Cobb's Legion, cut 
ofT l)y the enemy during the fight, to a thick wood near the 
road, and waited for night and further information. Just 
after dusk, hearing cavalry and artillery passing along the 
road, leaving my horse, 1 noiselessly approached the road, 
and, lying down in a fence-comer, heard the battle of the day 
discusssed, and learned that the Yankees were retiring in the 
direction of Culpeper. This column seemed interminable, 
and fearing daylight would discover our whereabouts, I re- 
turned to the men, and, mounting, started westward, guided 
in my course by the stars. We had not travelled more than 
five miles when, hearing cavalry passing a short distance 
south of us. I sent Will Thomson to a house near by to learn 
the situation, while we halted to await his return. 

Thomson rode up to the house, which was in view by star- 
light, and tapped on the window. Just then I heard some 
one from the Yankee column, not over 200 yards distant, 
gallop up to the house, and, nearing Thomson, inquired in a 
loud voice, " What are you doing there? Get back into 
ranks." Without replying. Thomson turned his horse and 
struck back in our direction in a full run. the Yankee follow- 
ing him. Instea'd of stopping with us, Thomson kept up his 
retreat to a wood a .short distance beyond, but the Yankee 
drew up, wdien he saw^ us, and asked to what command we 
belonged. I replied, " Second New York," and, he being 
apparently satisfied, rode back and joined his column. From 
his straps. I knew he was an ofificer, but couldn't see clearly 
enough to tell his rank. I would have taken him prisoner, 
but feared the firing of a shot would have alarmed the column 
and have resulted in the capture of our party. 

Diverging a little northwest, we now continued our way, 
and at daybreak reached Wolfetown, wdiere, turning our 
course southeastward, we soon joined General Stuart, who 
congratulated us on our safe exit. After this engagement our 




Jno. S. Grantham. 



i6o Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

brig-ade went into cam]) near the Rapidan and enjoved a 
couple of weeks of quiet and repose. 

Like Uncle Toby, in " Tristam Shandy," I find myself often 
indulging in digressions, and only hope mine may be as 
agreeable and entertaining as those of my ancient relative. 
While Company B was at Camp Twyman, on the Rapidan, 
discipline was som'ewhat lax, and the boys enjoyed various 
diversions, spending much of their time in foraging the com- 
munity for eatables, drinkables, and social enjoyment. I have 
mentioned that the members of Company B were young, and 
should have added, great admirers of the fair sex. There 
were only two books in the company, the New Testament 
and Charles O'Malley, and T must reluctantly record that 
the men followed oftener the precepts of the Irish Dragoon 
than those of the Divine Master. The Testament was usually 
read on the battle-field and O'Malley in camp. There was 
Bob, who, while possessing an eye for beauty, had also a 
penchant for the good things of the stomach. In fact, he 
used the former as a means to the gratification of the latter. 
One day as he' was foraging around, he discovered a goodly 
habitation, tenanted by a widow^ lady and her daughter, and 
it was not long before he had ingratiated himself into their 
favor, and was faring sumptuouslv for the times, while other 
members of Company B who wandered that way were treated 
pretty much as tramps are nowadays. Bob's popularity at 
this homestead was much discussed among the boys, and a 
plan set on foot to supplant him. Tom and Billy were 
selected for the undertaking. Tom was a born diplomat, and 
Billy possessed acres of the snavitcr in modo. Thev appeared 
at the widow's mansion one morning, about an hour before 
dinner, and entreated the ladies for something to eat, inci- 
dentally (but on purpose) mentioning Bob in the presence 
of the mother and daughter. There was magic in the name. 
The old lady instantly inquired if they knew Bob, speaking 
of him by his surname. " Oh, yes," answered Tom, " we live 
near by him in Jefferson, and are well acquainted with him 



Bull Run to Bull Run. i6i 

and Ills 1^'ifc and children also." The leaven worked finely 
and rapidly. " What." said tlie old lady, almost Imrsting; with 
suppressed wrath, while the youn^- lady blushed crimson, " is 
he a married man?" Tom begged pardon for ha\ing said 
anything amiss, and said Bob was a friend, and he would 
prefer to say nothing more on the subject. His silence raised 
the ladies" ciu'iosity to the highest ])itch, and to get an oppor- 
timily to press for further information the ladies insisted that 
Tom and his companion should dine with them. The in\ita- 
tion was reluctantly accepted, and a great many more {jerti- 
nent questions were asked, but no further information 
secured. After partaking of a good, square meal, which no 
one was caj^able of enjo}-ing more than Tom, he and Bill}' 
returned to camp and were silent. The day following, l^)ob 
rode out to this home, fidl of the assurance of a jovous recep- 
tion and entertainment, fed his horse, and was about entering 
the house, when two irate ladies attacked him furiotrsly \vith 
broomsticks, and would neither give nor hear an explanation. 
Poor Bob retired discomfited, and was totally ignorant of 
what hurt him, until some time after the l)riga(le left that 
neighborhood and we were far awa\-. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Cannon to right of them, 
Cannon to left of them, 
Cannon in front of them 

Volleyed and thundered; 
Stormed at with shot and shell. 
Boldly they rode and well. 

Tciuiu-'^oii. 

On the (jtli of Octo1)ei", 1863, our army prepared to move 
forward, and the Bristow campaign was begun. Our brigade 
was still under the command of Colonel Fuusten, of the 
Eleventh Ca^'alry. That day I receixed orders from (leneral 
Stuart to cross the Rapidan at night with a detail from Com- 
pany B, and endeavor to capture the enem}''s signal corps on 
Stonehouse Mountain, as it overlooked and reported our 
movements. 

As soon as it was dark, selecting twenty men for the expe- 
dition, leaving in camp our horses and all arms except our 
pistols, we proceeded to the river, took off our clothing, and, 
bundling it and our pistols on our shoulders, waded the 
stream, and passed u]) the opposite bank l;)etween two Federal 
picket posts. Having safely and noiselessly gained the rear 
of the enemy's picket line, we put on our clothes and started 
in the direction of the signal station, which was easily recog- 
nized from its elevated fires. Satisfied that success could be 
attained only by silence and by avoiding alarm until the 
station was reached, we moxed along stealthily and cautiously, 
avoiding an}- confiict. Having- gone somewhat more than a 
mile, we were startled by the near ap])roach in our front of a 
I)()(ly of cavalry. Making a hasty run into the fence-corners, 
we laid down, and trusted the enenu' would ])ass tis by. Btit 
the ca\alr\-, reaching a point just o])]>osite, with onl}^ a rail 
fence between us, halted as if listening. It was with great 
difiicultv that the men were restrained from firing into them. 
[162] 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. i6^ 

After stainlin,^" ahoiil ten minutes in this |)()siti()n, the Yan- 
kees moved forward in llie direction of their picket line, and 
soon after, galloping- was lieard in the (Hrection of their camp, 
wliich could easil\- be traced by tlie camp-fires, and in a short 
lime the Ijul^Ics souncHno- " hoots and saddles." Satisfied now^ 
tliat our S(|uad liad been discovered and the capture imp(jssi- 
ble. we returned to oiu" camp somewhat the worse from briar 
scratches recei\ed in ])assini;- throu.L;ii the i)icket Hues in nude 
condition. 

On the luornin^- of the TOth, with Company B. we crossed 
the Rapidan and liastened to join our command, wliicli had 
o-one forward tlie evening- Ixdcu'e with (leneral Stuart, and 
was moving- in the direction of Culpcj^er Courthouse. We 
overtook the brii^ade near a small ])]ace called C,riffinsbur<;-. 
Company R now took the advance and acted as a body-^uard 
for General Stuart. On nearint^- Cnlpeper a regiment of 
Federal infantry was seen hastening- in that direction and 
seemingly separated from any support. As soon as (ieneral 
Stuart saw it. no other force being- at hand, he ordered me to 
charge it. Tt appeared a rash and dangerous undertaking, 
but with an order that could not be (|uestioned and a com- 
|)anv that never refused to respond, we were soon dashing 
toward them. The enemy seeing- our charge, soon gallantly 
faced towards us, and when we were about one hundred yards 
off. poured a volley into us. P.ut as they occupied a small 
eminence, and we were in a depression, their balls passed 
harmles.slv over our heads, h^inding that our charge had not 
l)een checked, and not bavin-- time to reload, they threw ofY 
their knapsacks and lied. iM.rtunately for them, there was 
an impassable ditch, which delayed (^ur progress, and per- 
mitted most of them to escape. 

General Stuart, in his ofhcial report, says: 

" Tn our rapid iMU'suit of the enemv. we fomid that w-e 
had !\-issed an infrmtrv rei^imcnf of the enemv. which had 
been on the outpost and was now marching- parallel to on- 



i64 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

column on onr rii^ht in the direction of Culpeper Courthouse. 
Every effort was made to close up the column thus elongated 
l)y pursuit, so as to catch this regiment, but a])prehending 
that it would escape, the only ca\'alry I could hn' mv hands 
on was ordered to charge the regiment as it debouched into 
the open ground. This was gallantly responded to by a com- 
pany of the Twelfth Virginia under Lieutenant Baylor, and 
but for an impassable ditch these l)rave men would have rid- 
den over the enemy and cut them down with the saber. They 
charged within 20 or 30 yards of the column and fired a volley 
into it, but were forced, from the nature of the ground, to 
retire, which was done without the loss of a man or horse, 
although the enemy's fire was delivered almost in their faces. 
The enemy did not further contest the field. They l)roke and 
ran, dropping guns, knapsacks, and blankets, several of their 
number being captured." 

Colonel John Esten Cooke, then aide to General Stuart, 
and an eye-witness of this charge, says : 

" Never had I seen him (Stuart) more excited. He was 
plainly on fire with the idea of capturing the whole party. 
The staff scattered to summon the cavalry, and soon a com- 
pany came at full gallop. It was the ' Jefferson Company,' 
under that brave ofificer. Captain George Baylor. ' Charge 
and cut them down,' shouted Stuart, his drawn sword flashing 
as he forced his horse over fallen trees and the debris of a 
great deserted camp. A fine spectacle followed. As the 
Federal infantry double-quicked up a slope, Bavlor charged. 
As his men darted upon them, they sudednly halted, came to 
a front face, and the long line of gun-barrels fell, as though 
they were parts of some glittering war machine. The muzzles 
spouted flame, and the cavalry received the fire at thirty 
yards. It seemed to check them, but it did not. They had 
come to an impassable ditch. In another moment the infan- 
try broke, every man for himself, and, making a detour, the 
cavalry pursued and captured large numbers." 




C E. Henderson. 



i66 Jhill Klin to Bull Run. 

Colonel B. V. Smith, conimandino- the 'Jdiird brigade of 
the Third Army Corps, in his report of this affair, says: 

" On the morning- of the iitli, after tlie departure of the 
corps from the camp near Culpeper, the pickets from tlie 
l)rigade were attacked by the enemy; this while endeavor- 
ing to join the command. The detail from the One Hundred 
and Sixth New York Yolunteers (432 strong", under charge 
of jMajor A. N. McDonald, commanding- regiment) repulsed 
the attack, but with the loss of Captain James L. Teach and 
two enlisted men killed, seven enlisted men wounded, and 18 
enlisted men captured. The loss of the enemy is unknown; 
se\eral saddles were emptied." 

But Major McDonald, in his official report, ditTers some- 
what from Colonel Smith in his account of the loss. He says: 

" My casualties are as follows: Killed, three; wounded, 10; 
missing, 25. The enemy's loss in killed and wounded is at 
least three times our entire loss." 

This shows how ba<lly the Major was frightened, for Com- 
pany B lost neither man nor horse, and did not number over 
50 men. 

On the afternoon of the iith we reached the Barbour 
house, overlooking Brand}- Station, and found Kilijatrick's 
dix'ision of ca\-alry mo\-ing- back from Culpeper in the direc 
tion of the station. It was a magnihcent spectacle. Our 
artillery was not in reach, and few of our cavalry up. But 
Cicneral Stuart, being apprised that I^^itz Lee had arrivetl on 
the opposite flank of the enemy at Brandy Station, ordered 
the Twelfth, under Colonel Massie, to charge the column and 
cut off Kilpatrick's retreat. Com])any B) was in front of the 
regin-ient, and down the slope it went ;md reached a point 
near the station, when it was discovered that the enemy had 
enveloped us, and it became a race on our part to escape cap- 
ture. We were so intermingled with the enemy that they 
could not use their guns and pistols without endangering 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 16/ 

their own men. Lienlenant \\ashin.«;l()n and ni\self were 
near tos^ellier on the retreat, and, jnnipin-- a diteh, his horse 
fell and pinioned him to the gronnd. As my horse cleared 
the ditch safely, he called for help, bnt with visions of Forts 
Mcllenry and Delaware before me and a host of pursners 
behind. 1 was constrained to leave him to his fate, i escaped, 
bnt he was taken prisoner, bnt did not remain long in the 
enemy's hands, as he appeared next morning in camp, minns 
horse' and arms, having made a nnracnlons escape during the 
night. (Jnr force being too weak to impede Kilpatrick's 
retreat, he escaped safely over the Rappahannock. 
General Stuart, in his report, says: 

'^ The Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Massie 
conmianding, was at the head of the column, and, being 
ordered to charge, did so in the most gallant manner, cutting 
otT about 1,200 or 1,500 of the enemy, all of whom would 
have been killed or captured had not the headlong rapidity 
of the pursuit, added to the difficult character of the ground, 
so greatly extended the colunui as to impair for the moment 
its efficiency of action. The loss of the enemy in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners was considerable, the two regmients 
of Colonel Funsten's command alone having taken 200.' 
General Kilpatrick, in his report, says : 

" Manv eallant charges were now made by the division, and 

The 



') & 



many equally gallant charges by the enemy repulsed, 
division fell slowly back, one brigade after another, m good 
order, and finally crossed the Rai)pahannock and went nu.. 
camp about 8 ]\ AI. 

( )n the morning of the T2th, our regiment was sent to the 
right ..f Jeffersonton, in the direction of Warrenton Sprmgs. 
Reaching the roa.l in the rear of Jeffersontcm, C-ompany V> 
being in" advance, we discovered a regiment of the enemy s 
led horses standing on the road leading to Jeffersonton, the 
men having g.)ne forward and left them in charge of one 
nrm to each tile of fours. A charge was ordered, meetuig 



i6S Bull Run 1o Bull Run. 

with little or no resistance, and the rest of om- regiment 
coming- up, a larg-e number of prisoners and horses were cap- 
tured, and the Seventh regiment pressing the enemy in front 
at Jeffersonton, they were soon routed and scattered in every 
direction. General Gregg, in his report, says: 

" It is to be regretted that in the gallant and obstinate 
resistance made by the Fourth and Thirteenth Pennsylvania 
regiments they had to fight almost entirely on foot," but he 
does not sav that it was because we had captured their horses. 

In this engagement on our side was the Seventh and 
Twelfth Virginia regiments, and on the Federal side the 
Fourth and Thirteenth Pennsylvania and the Tenth New 
York regiments. 

General Gregg, in his official report, says : 

" They charged impetuously in front and on both flanks 
with infantry and cavalry, and we were driven into the woods, 
where for half an hour the fight raged furiously. At this 
juncture information was brought that the enemy had pos- 
session of the road in ni}^ rear, and that we w-ere surroimded. 
This information, having found its way to the men, created 
some confusion, and it became impossible to re-form the com- 
mand, and I was compelled to retire in some confusion, fight- 
ing, however, every foot of the ground. It was here that 
Major Young, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Lieutenants 
Cutler and Martin of my staff, were wounded." 

Pressing on to the river at Warrenton Springs, we found 
the enemy had posted his artillery on an eminence beyond 
the stream and placed their dismounted men in rifle-pits near 
the banks of the river to contest our advance. Dismounted 
men were thrown forward on our side, supported by a small 
force of oiu^ infantry who had arrived on the scene. The 
horse artillery not having come up. General Long, of Ewell's 
Corps, opened fire with eight guns on the enemy's batteries 
and supporting squadrons. At this juncture. General Stuart 



Bull Run Id Hull Run. i6p 

ordered me to charge with C'onipanN' 15 across the river and 
(h-i\ e the enemy from their rilie-pits. 

I had been for some time a spectator of the fntile efforts of 
the infantr\- and (hsmonnted men to effect a crossing, and to 
accom])lish tliis witli a ca\ah-_\- (hish strnck me as imprac- 
tical)le. \->u[ a sohher's (hit\- is to ol)ey, do or (he. Assured 
that a bold front was half the battle, four brave men were 
placed in rear of the compan}-, with orders to shoot down the 
first man that fell back. Hearing the order, a member of the 
company plaintivel}' remarked, " Well, boys, between death 
before and death behind, I will take death in front." 

Generals Robert E. Lee, Ewell, Stuart, and others were in 
full view, watching the movement. It was the occasion of our 
lives. The order was given, and down the road the company 
dashed amid a shower of bullets, and reached the bridge over 
the river, to find the tlooring torn up. Here we were forced 
to halt, face about and strike for a ford below. This move- 
ment was effected without faltering, and soon the river was 
crossed and the rifle-pits, with a large number of prisoners, 
in our ])ossession. The rest of our regiment now coming to 
our aid, the prisoners were secured and turned over to the 
infantry. As we passed up out of the river and our horses 
leaped over the ride-i)its, our infantry on the opposite banks 
greeted us with loud cheers. This was the first and on!_\' 
occasion during the war, that I know or ha\e heard of, where 
the infantry showed such appreciation of the cavalry. 

Among the prisoners taken was Captain Harry Gregg, a 
class-mate and friend of mine at Dickinson College. I had 
onlv time to greet him, when I was hurried forward and he 
taken to the rear. So 1 saw him no more. 

(ieneral Stuart, in his re])ort of this engagement, says: 

" This little band of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry was 
worthy of special praise, as it was made under circumstances 
of great embarrassment. Charging fn-st up to the pier of the 
bridge, it was discovered that it had been taken up, thus 



//o Bull Run lo Bull Rim. 

exposing tlieiii to a daiigeroiis tire from tlie enenu' on the 
opposite side. Nothing daunted in purpose, however, they 
turned' about and took the road to the ford below, which they 
plunged into in the face of the enemy's fire without halt or 
hesitation." 

Major-General McClellan, in his " Life of Stuart," says: 

" Now the Twelfth Virginia was ordered to charge the 
bridge. Lieutenant Baylor's company still had the front. 
Darkness was settling down upon the field. /Vlong a harrow 
causeway, Baylor led his men in column of fours. In the 
face of a sharp lire from the ritie-pits he reached the very 
abutment of the bridge before he discovered that the planks 
had been removed and that a crossing was impossible. He 
must retrace his steps and try the ford. There was no trepi- 
dation, no confusic^n. ' By fom^s, right-about wheel. For- 
ward ! ' and in a moment he had descended from the cause- 
way, and his colunni was plunging through the narrow ford, 
where hardly four could ride abreast. It was a gallant sight, 
and called forth wild huzzas from the Confederate infantry, 
man)' of whom were spectators of the scene. Up the hill went 
]ui}'lor, and in a few^ moments the rilie-pits were cleared of the 
enemy and the approaches to the bridge were under our com- 
trol." 

General Gregg, in his official report, says : 

"After the recrossing of all regiments to the east side of the 
river, I lined its banks above and below the bridge with sharp- 
shooters. The enemy advanced with a long and strong line of 
skirmishers, but were checked by the fire of our carl)ines and 
one gun placed near the river, which, at that range, gave them 
ra])id discharges of spherical case. At this time I saw long 
colunms of infantry marching northward, on the opposite 
bank. L^pon these colunms the tire of my artillery was 
directed. The enemy now opened upon my position with 20 
pieces of artillery, and under this fire, his cavalry advanced to 
and forced a crossing at the bridge. Total loss of the division 




John Howell. 



172 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

at Sulphur Springs and on the 14th is as follows: Officers, 
three killed, 13 wounded, and six missing; enlisted men, 14 
killed, loi wounded, and 426 missing. Of those reported 
missing at Sulphur Springs, very many were killed and 
wounded." 

After getting a firm foothold on the northern l)ank of the 
Rappahannock, the Twelfth Cavalry, under Colonel Funsten, 
was ordered to proceed to Warrenton, and on its wav there 
captured 50 prisoners, who, through mistake, rode into our 
column. We bivouacked that night in the suburbs of War- 
renton, and next morning continued our advance through 
Auburn in the direction of Catlett's Station. At Auburn, Lo- 
max's brigade joined us, and General Stuart took command. 
Leaving Lomax at Auburn, General Stuart advanced toward 
Catlett's Station with Funsten's and Gordon's brigades. Near- 
ing Catlett's, we saw large wagon-trains of the enemy moving- 
northward. We remained here until dark, when word reached 
us that the enemy's column occupied our rear at Auburn. 
Stuart quickly moved in that direction, hoping to effect his 
escape, but on arrival near that place, discovered that he was 
securely trapped between two columns of the i^>deral army. 
In this extremity, Stuart soon determined his course. He 
withdrew his two brigades, artillery, and wagons to the north 
side of the road behind the hills, and thus escaped the obser- 
vation of the two wings of the Federal army. Our guns were 
])ut in position on the brow of the hill within three hundred 
yards of the enemy's line, and the men, huddled in close 
column, obeyed the order for silence, as they fully realized 
the peril of the situation and the proximity of the enemy. We 
remained in this position throughout the night, every soldier 
on the anxious bench and in momentary expectation of being 
discovered by the enemy. In the early part of the night, 
General Stuart directed me to send him, dismounted, two 
trustworthy men from Company B, to pass through tlie 
enemy's column and ap])rise (General Lee of our situation, 
with the request that he would attack the enemy and afford us 



Bull Rim to Bull Ruu. //? 

ail (»])])< )i-iunily to escape. Crocket luldins and my brother 
Ixicliard volunteered to ,<;o on the mission. Lcavini^ their 
horses and e(|nipmcnts with llie company, they bade us fare- 
well, and reported to General Stuart and were tj;-iven instruc- 
tions. 

liacli took a separate course and safely escaped thron^li 
the Yankee column. There were several others sent on the 
same mission, and all met at General Lee's headcpiarters 
shortly after midnii^ht. 

General Stuart, in his report, says: 

"The six privates who volunteered to pass throuL;h 
the enemy's column were Robert W. Good, First Viri^inia 
Cavalry; Ashton Chichester, and Sharley, McGregor's Horse 
Artillery; privates Crocket Eddins and Richard Baylor. Com- 
l)any R. Twelfth Virginia Cavalry." 

General Lee immediately ordei-ed a part of General Ewell's 
corps to our relief, but. unfortunately, it did not arrive in time 
to give us any material aid. 

As day was breaking, General Stuart realized something 
must be done. In the field adjacent to our rendezvous, a 
large force of infantry had halted, stacked arms, and were 
building camp-fires and |)reparing for breakfast. C)r(lers were 
given to mount, our seven guns were advanced further on the 
brow of the hill, and all was ready for action. A few moments 
of suspense and our guns were raining canister upon the 
enemv. who. surprised, rushed in every direction. They soon, 
however, recovered from their fright, formed line of battle 
and began to move on our position, but. unable to stand the 
tire of our guns, gave way and disappeared behind the hills. 
At this juncture a line of the enemy was seen moving uj) 
on our left tlank. our direction of escape, and it became neces- 
sary to repel this advance. Ctdonel Ruifin. with the First 
Xorth Carolina, handsomely led his men on a charge against 
this column, and broke the first line. cai)turing a large num- 
ber of prisoners, but was rei)ulsed by a fresh column in rear 
of the first, and the men retired, leaving their gallant Colonel 



T74 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

dead on the field. The enemy's advance was, however, 
checked, and Stuart, taking advantage of our temporary suc- 
cess, ordered the artillery and wagons to pass in rear of the 
enemy's position, sending Companies B and I, under my 
conmiand. on the road to Catlett's Station to protect his left 
Hank and repel any attack from that quarter. Moving rapidlv 
down to the point indicated, the squadron was formed across 
the road at the edge of a piece of woods, and the men directed 
to hold their hre until the enemy approached within thirty 
yards. \\'e had not long to wait before the enemy's cavalry 
appeared in our front, and, moving up to within 250 yards of 
our position, called to know what command we were. Having 
cautioned the men to remain cpiiet, no answer was given. 
Receiving no response, they moved cautiously about, grad- 
ually approaching nearer and nearer. After being detained 
by us for some time, they boldly moved a squadron forward, 
and when within thirty yards the order to fire was given, 
many saddles were emptied, and their squadron broke and 
tied in confusion. 

Feeling assured that General Stuart had now effected his 
escape, and that a longer stay would likely cause our capture, 
the squadron was faced about and moved ofif in the direction ci 
Warren ton, soon reaching General Stuart's conuiiand drawn 
up on an eminence south of Cedar river, awaiting our return. 

As we rode up, the General congratulated us. In his offi- 
cial report, General Stuart says: 

" My extrication from this embarrassing situation with the 
comparatively small loss which I sustained is due, under 
Providence, to the gallant ofificers and men of my command, 
who. u|)on this trying occasion, which thoroughly tested their 
soldierly character, exhibited nerve and coolness which en- 
titles them to the highest praise from their commander." 

General W^arren. conunanding the Second Army Corps, in 
his official report, says: 

" Undistinouishable as this enemv was to us in the Vallev 



Bull Run to Bull Run. J75 

in tlie mist and .^ray niornino- li-lit, liis view cf our camp- 
tircs on the liill was clear and i\^\\\\<:i\ and liis fn-o told with 
fatal effect, killin- i i and wonndins^- about \2\ one shell killed 
se\en men." 

C.eneral Owen, in his report of his 1)rit;ade. says: 

" I re-ret to sa\- m\- loss was severe, numherin^- seven killed 
and 17 wounded, (ieneral I'.irncy reports in his command 
two killed and 35 woimded.'' 

In this spirited contest a,L;-ainst such tremendous odds, we 
lost neither a i^im nor a wa^on and I)rou,<;ht oft safely 150 
prisoners, besides killing- and wounding a large number. On 
the 15th, our brigade moved forw^ard on the road to Manassas 
and engaged the enemy at Vates Ford, on r.ull Run. driving 
him from his position and l)ivouacking that night near 
Manassas. 

On the 1 6th. with JIampton's Division and four pieces of 
artiilerv, we moved towards (h-oveton, where we had a skirm- 
ish with the enemy, drove him before us, crossed Bull Run. 
and encamped at night near Stone Castle. Washington was 
now alarmed. Ceneral ^[eade was rapidly retiring before 
General Lee. and yet he was reporting that as soon as he 
could find Lee he would attack him. ^Matters were not at all 
satisfactory to President Lincoln, and his wonderful horse- 
sense soon penetrated Meade's sham and ])retence, and he 
writes General Halleck one of his pungent letters: 

Executive Mansion*, 
Washington. October 16, 1863. 
Major-General Halleck: 

I do not believe Lee can have over 60,000 effective men. 
Longstreet's Corps would not l)e sent away to bring an equal 
force back on the same road: and there is no other direction 
for them to have come from. 

Doubtless in making the ])resent movement. Lee gathered 
in all the available scrai)s. and added them to Hill's and 
Kwell's corps, but that is all. and he made the movement ni 



1/6 Bill/ Run to Hull K'ini. 

the belief thai four corps had left General Meade; and Gen- 
eral Meade's apparently avoiding- a collision with him has 
confirmed him in the belief. If General Meade can now 
attack on a field no more than equal for ns and will do so with 
all the skill and courage which he, his of^cers and men pos- 
sess, the honor will be his. if he succeeds, and the blame may 
be mine, if he fails. 

Yours truly, A. Lincoln. 

On the i8th, Halleck wires Meade: " Lee is uncjuestionably 
bullying you. If you cannot ascertain his movements, I cer- 
tainly cannot. If you pursue and fight him, I think you ivill 
find out -a'hcrc he is. I know of no other way." 

On the 1 8th, Charlestown was attacked and taken 1iy Gen- 
eral Imboden, and General Kelley at Harper's Ferry became 
alarmed at his situation, and wired General Halleck, and 
Halleck curtly responded : " Should the whole of Lee's army 
attack Maryland Heights, the place must be held until 
Meade's army comes to the rescue. It can be so held, and if 
the ofificers fail to do so, they should l)e hung-." 

This undue excitement on the part of the President and the 
generals was due, no doubt, to such reports as the following: 

Martinsburg, W. Va., October 22, 1863. 

Colonel G. H. Sharp, 

Headcjuarters Army of the Potomac : 

Statement of William Arndoiif, a native of Jefferson county : 
" I was informed by a farmer by the name of Joseph Crane, 
who lives near Charlestown, JefTerson county, and is a very 
reliable man and a strong rebel, and thinks I am the same, 
that he would be very much disappointed if General Lee did 
not cross the Potomac at the Point of Rocks within ten days. 
This man Crane says he never had been disappointed in his 
opinion in reference to the rebel movements. He further 
stated that Imboden's command fell back to Front Royal, 
there to divide their forces into two separate commands. One 
is to advance by the way of Berryville and Charlestowni ; the 
other, to keep north of the turnpike and surround and cap- 
ture the forces stationed at this post. He also said that 




Julian Hutchinson. 



//<? Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

General Lee has the largest and finest army he has ever hatl. 
He further stated that Jenkins was to unite his forces with 
Imboden." 

This gentleman (Arndoff) has been heretofore employed as 
a spy, and is acting- in that capacity at present. I this day sent 
the said Arndofif to Front Royal, Luray, and various other 
places. He is a responsible man. I took his bond for $5,000. 

Michael Graham. 

It is not stated that Arndoff ever paid the bond. I knew 
Colonel Crane well, and Arndoff did not deceive the old g'en- 
tleman much. He had fully measured Arndoff' before he 
spoke. I can imagine the mischievous twinkle of his eye, as 
with the Jack O'Lantern of his mind he illumined the hypo- 
critical Arndoff and " filled his belly with the east wind " of 
this iViunchausen invention. 

I will now return to our brigade. On the 17th we marched 
to the Little River turnpike, three miles below Aldie; on the 
1 8th we moved to Gainesville and went into camp above Hay- 
market, and the next day reached Buckland, where the enemy 
attacked and we fell back slowly to Chestnut Hill, within 
two and one-half miles of Warrenton. General Stuart was in 
command, and this retreat was a ruse to draw the enemy for- 
ward, to allow General Fitz Lee to reach his rear. At this 
point, .General Stuart, hearing Lee's guns, suddenly turned 
about, routed the enemy, and ran them back to Buckland, 
and so the fight was known as the Buckland races. Stuart 
captured in this engagement 250 prisoners, eight wagons and 
ambulances, with many horses, arms and equipments. 

General Stuart, in his report of the Buckland fight, says : 

" The force .opposed to us on this occasion consisted of ten 
regiments of cavalry and six pieces of artillery, commanded 
by General Kil])atrick, and I am justified in declaring the rout 
of the enemy at Buckland the most signal and complete that 
any cavalry has suff'ered during the war. It is remarkable 
that Kilpatrick's Division seemed to disappear from the field 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



179 



of operations for more than a nionlli, that time l>ein,<^- neces- 
sary, no doubt, to collect the panic-stricken fng-itives." 

1 remember on this occasion tindino^ Jim Randall after the 
fii;-ht, sitting- near a dying- Federal olificer, and, inquiring of 
him what he was doing, he replied: "Am waiting for 
this fellow to die, so I can get his watch and ring." While 
he was engaged in conversation with me. an old North Caro- 
linian rode up. and, spying the watch-chain and ring, dis- 
mounted and gathered them in. much to the chagrin and 
disappointment of Jim. Jim's conscience was tenderer than 
the North Carolinian's, and he lost the prize. 

This fight terminated the Bristow campaign, and on the 
20th we moved back and took up cpiarters near Culpeper, 
establishing- pickets on the south bank of the Rappahannock. 

On the morning after our return, Company B was agree- 
ably surprised by an order from General Lee. received 
through General Stuart, granting the company a furlough of 
ten davs, with permission to return to our homes in Jefferson, 
as a reward for gallant conduct at W'arrenton Springs. A 
shout went up as we moved oft' for home, friends and relatives; 
and, notwithstanding the fact that those homes were within 
the Federal lines, no blockade was sufficient to keep us out, 
.and the time was happily spent. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

And the stately ships go on, 

To the haven under the hill; 
But O for the touch of a vanished hand, 

And the sound of a voice that is still! 
Tennyson. 

On the return of Company B to camp, I found that Colonel 
Thomas L. Rosser, of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, had been 
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general and assigned to 
our brigade. He was a dashing, fine-looking man, was a 
cadet at West Point from Louisiana, when the war broke out, 
resigned, returned to his home, and was made a lieutenant in 
the Washington Artillery of New Orleans, and from this 
position had worked his way up to his present rank. 

Meade's army had moved east, to the vicinity of Frede- 
ricksburg, and our force, to confront it, had moved in the same 
direction, the Federal army occupying the northern' bank 
of the Rappahannock and the Confederate army the southern 
bank. On the morning of the 25th of November, our brigade 
moved down in the direction of Chancellorsville, and ascer- 
tained from our pickets at Ely's and Gold Mine Fords, that 
the enemy was crossing in force and advancing towards 
Chancellorsville. Our direction was changed to Tod's Tavern, 
on the flank of General Lee's army, where we encamped for 
the night. 

The following day we moved to the Brock road, and 
striking the Plank road, fell on the wagon-train of the First 
and Fifth Federal army corps. 

As we approached this road, the Twelfth regiment in front. 
Company B leading the advance, we rode into the wagon- 
train without opposition, and, turning to the right, moved 
some distance through the train before encountering any 
material force. On meeting a heavy infantrv guard, a retreat 
[180] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. i8l 

was ordered, and we moved slowly back. We succeeded in 
destroying about 40 wagons and in bringing off about the 
same number, with seven ambulances, 230 mules and horses, 
and 95 prisoners. My part of the booty on this occasion was 
Major-General Bartlett's trunk, filled with shirts, collars, and 
underwear, and his measure being about mine, and my needs 
more pressing, all were appropriated to my personal use. The 
trunk was brought safely through the war and given to a 
brother, just then in search of such an article. Our brigade 
returned in the afternoon to Tod's Tavern and bivouacked 
for the night. 

On the morning of the 29th, the brigade moved by way of 
Catharpin road to Parker's Store, on the Plank road, where 
a regiment of the enemy's cavalry was found on picket duty, 
with Gregg's Division in close proximity. The Seventh 
regiment being in front its advance dashed on the pickets, 
10 to 15 in number, securing them all as prisoners, and then 
charged into the reserve, closely followed by the remainder 
of the regiment, but from the nature of the ground and inter- 
vening obstacles, the regiment was thrown into confusion. 
White's Battalion and the Twelfth were now ordered up. 
White attacked on the right flank and the Twelfth in front, 
sweeping everything before them, killing, wounding, and 
capturing a large number and taking possession of their 
camp. They had just prepared breakfast. The cofifee was 
smoking and the- repast altogether so inviting that George 
Timberlake, of our company, dismounted and proceeded to 
enjoy the feast, when the enemy, suddenly charging, cap- 
tured George before he could remount. At this juncture the 
fight became general, and Hampton, coming up with the 
North Carolina Brigade, the enemy were soon driven back. 
Over 100 prisoners were captured with arms and equipments, 
several ambulances, and a large amount of commissar}^ stores. 

In the engagement my brother Richard was mortally 
wounded, and brought back to near Verdiersville. where he 
died the following day. He was a brave and gallant soldier, 
and had been wounded in 1862 near Charlestown. 



i82 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

General Stuart, in his ot^cial report of this eng-agement, 
says : 

" Our losses were slight in number, but two valuable offi- 
cers of the North Carolina Brigade (Captain Reese and Lieu- 
tenant Capeland) were killed. General Rosser lost three men 
killed and 15 wounded. Private Richard Baylor, Company 
B, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, a soldier of distinguished 
bravery, and one of those who volunteered to pass through 
the enemy at Auburn in October, was among- the killed." 

General Gregg, in his official report, says : 

" On the 29th of November, Hampton's Division of rebel 
cavalry made a strong attack at Parker's Store, with the view 
of falling upon the wagon-trains of the army. The pickets 
of the regiment at Parker's Store were rapidly driven in. 
The regiment engaged in distributing rations were attacked 
on all sides and compelled to retire toward the Wilderness. 
But sooner than they expected, I moved three regiments of 
the Second Brigade, with a section of King's Battery, Fourth 
United States Artillery, toward Parker's Store. The Second 
and Sixteenth Pennsylvania in advance met the enemy, 
charged him, releasing prisoners, and compelled the retire- 
ment of the enemy. The two regiments at Parker's Store lost 
a portion of their rations, and one wagon was burned to pre- 
vent its falling into the hands of the enemy. On this day, 
the loss to the division was four officers wounded (one since 
died), seven enlisted men killed, and 40 enlisted men wounded, 
and one officer and 54 enlisted men missing." 

In the various l)attles of the war up to this period, I had 
mourned the death of friends and relatives, but the loss of a 
brother, just two years my senior, and with whom I had been 
intimately associated from childhood, as schoolmate and 
partner in all my sports and pleasures, touched a nearer, 
tenderer chord, and inflicted a blow not soon forgotten. 

A short time after this engagement, our brigade was 




Samuel Wright and E. Morton Lackland. 



i84 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ordered to Hamilton's Crossing, near Fredericksburg-. Gen- 
eral Meade, having seen a ghost at Mine Run, had hastily- 
retired across the Rappahannock. We remained at Hamil- 
ton's Crossing until the 17th of December, when we crossed 
the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg and began a movement 
in rear of Meade's army. The brigade was poorly equipped 
for such a winter expedition. The greater part of our wagons 
and all our winter clothing had been stored in the Valley the 
preceding spring, and no opportunity afforded us of pro- 
curing them. The morning after the river was crossed, it be- 
gan raining, snowing, and sleeting, but onward we went, 
until we reached Sangster's Station, near Fairfax, on the 
Manassas Gap railroad, where about 200 infantry were for- 
tified and opposed our march. The Seventh regiment was in 
front, and the advance squadron, charged through a stream 
of water and over the railroad bank, gaining the enemy's 
rear. The Eleventh coming up, dashed forward, and the 
Yankees surrendered. Our loss was a gallant officer, Captain 
Cartmell, of the Eleventh, and we captured about 200 prison- 
ers and their arms. 

It was on this trip, if my memory serves me right, that our 
adjutant and I practiced a cruel joke on our chaplain and 
regimental surgeon. These gentlemen were piously inclined, 
as chaplains generally and surgeons sometimes are, and were 
both fond of the ladies, and something more palatable than 
camp diet. As the brigade was marching leisurely along, 
some one called attention to a house on our way some dis- 
tance in advance, and remarked that it was occupied by a 
certain lady, naming her, generally well known by reputation 
in army circles. I will say her name was not Rahab, but she 
bore somewhat the same unsavory reputation, and was known 
for her hospitality. At the Adjutant's suggestion and with 
the assent if not approval of our General, who enjoyed a little 
fun equally as much as his men, we proposed to our chaplain 
and surgeon to ride ahead of our column, stop at this house, 
warm ourselves, and get something to eat. In utter igno- 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 183 

ranee of the nature of this estabhshment, these pious fellows 
fell into our trap and away' we galloped. Arriving at the 
mansion, our horses were fastened and we were soon enjoy- 
ing a good old-time wood fire. Two ladies presently made 
their appearance, handsomely dressed, and as the Adjutant 
and myself were more boyish in appearance than the chaplain 
and surgeon, they seated themselves by the latter and opened 
a sprightly conversation. These gentlemen seemed highly 
pleased and delighted at their cordial reception, and matters 
were progressing tinely, when our brigade approached and 
raised a shout as they recognized the chaplain's and surgeon's 
horses fastened at this abode. As this shout reached our ears, 
the ladies threw their arms around the necks of these inno- 
cents and made other demonstrations of violent aiTection. 
At this juncture the adjutant and myself slipped out of the 
door, soon followed by the chaplain and surgeon, boiling over 
with wrath, disgust, and indignation, who, as they mounted 
their horses, wei'e greeted with cheers and laughter from the 
brigade. The surgeon never forgave this cruel joke, and re- 
fused to speak to us. but the chaplain, a good-natured, popu- 
lar fellow, seemed rather to enjoy the surgeon's discomfiture. 
This might appear nowadays a rather unwarrantable liberty 
with these gentlemen, but soldiers must have something to 
break the monotony of their lives. No one was hurt in either 
morals or reputation, as the matter was soon understood by 
all. 

Our march was resumed and Bull Run crossed with much 
difficulty, as the stream was greatly swollen by rain. The 
night was exceeding dark, and our progress was slow and 
difficult. About midnight a northwester sprung up. and 
the rain, freezing as it fell, the men became cold and stiff 
in their saddles. At daylight Middleburg was reached 
and the brigade continued to Upperville to -feed. On our 
arrival there, many of the men had to be lifted from their 
horses and warmed up before they could move; but a warm 
breakfast, with a taste of old rye, revived our spirits and the 



i86 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

journey was renewed with more spirit and cheerfulness. When 
we reached the Shenandoah, at Berry's Ferry, it was so much 
swollen that a crossing- could not be effected, and we pro- 
ceeded up the eastern side of the stream above Swift Run Gap 
before a crossing could be had. After passing over the river, 
the brigade passed down the Valley to Mount Jackson and 
encamped. 

On December 31st, our brigade, with a portion of General 
Fitz Lee's Division, left Mount Jackson and marched to 
Moorefield. The weather was intensely cold and the moun- 
tain road so slippery that our artillery and our quartermaster 
wagons were compelled to return. After reaching Moorefield 
we moved towards New Creek, capturing a train of 40 
wagons, 240 horses and mules, and 250 cattle. At Burlington 
we took a few prisoners. The weather now became unen- 
durable, and the suffering of the men so great that the brigade 
was forced to return to the Valley and go into winter quar- 
ters. 

On the 28th of January following, our brigade, under Gen- 
eral Rosser, with four pieces of artillery, moved to Moorefield, 
arriving there on the evening of the 29th. On the 30th, we 
moved across the mountains towards New Creek Grade. In 
the mountain pass a regiment of Federal infantry opposed 
our progress by felling trees across the road and digging it 
away on the hillside. Rosser, dismounting sharp-shooters 
from the Eleventh and Twelfth regiments and White's Bat- 
talion, made no headway against this force so advantageously 
posted. To exj^edite matters, he directed me to take the 
first squadron of the Twelfth, Companies B and I, pass over 
the mountains by a by-path, intercept communications be- 
tween New creek and Petersburg, and attack the enemy in 
the rear. Furnished with a guide, we passed up a steep ascent 
of the mountain, frequently obliged to dismount and lead our 
horses up the narrow and dangerous defile, reached the New 
creek grade after a long and tedious journey and prepared to 
move on the enemy's rear. Having been informed by Gen- 



Bull Run to Hull Run. i8j 

eral Rosser that the enemy only liad a sqiiath-on of cavah-y, 
and, feehng- assured that our squadron was a match for it, 
all fears for our safety were allayed. Passing down the moun- 
tain road a short distance, my advance galloped l)ack. inform- 
ing" me that the enem_\- was charging us. The road being- 
circuitous at this point, the enemy could not be seen, but, 
supposing the force charging was the enemy's cavalry, a 
counter-charge was ordered, and as we passed a bend in the 
road at full speed, we ran into a regiment of infantry. It was 
too late to retreat, so, as we dashed into their front files, the 
regiment broke to the wood on either side; but, l)eing unable 
to cope with them, we were forced to retreat, with the loss 
of a g'allant comrade, Samuel \A'right, of Company B. An 
overshadowing Providence alone j)rotected us from terrible 
slaug'hter. Retiring in the direction of the Xew-creek grade, 
the squadron was drawn up at the base of the moimtain to 
await results. In a few moments the enemy debouched from 
the mountain pass at a (loul)le-quick, reached the Xew-creek 
grade, moved in the direction of Xew creek, and were soon 
joined b}' reinforcements. In a few moments after the enemy 
passed out, Rosser appeared with his brigade and artillery, 
and we joined them and pressed on after the enemy. Over- 
taking them after a short march, we found them prepared to 
receive us, with a large wagon-train parked in their rear. 
Although they outnumbered our force, Rosser speedily made 
preparations for attack. The men with carbines were dis- 
mounted and the ball opened. The mounted men of the 
Twelfth were sent to our right to reach the rear of the enemy 
and attack, while the residue of our command attacked the 
front and left flank. Having reached our ])osition, which 
was on a hill sloping towards the enemy. Colonel ^lassie 
ordered me to lead the charge with the first scfuadron on the 
enemy's right and rear. 

( )n leaxing Staunton a few days \)X\ox to starting on this 
expedition a lady friend had handed me her handkerchief, 
with the request that 1 should wear it in the next fight. 



i88 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Remembering my promise, it was fastened to my hat-cord, 
and in the breeze floated as a white pkmie. Drawing up the 
squadron in platoons, I addressed them as follows: 

" Soldiers, the enemy is before you. In victory there is 
safety and glory; in defeat, ignominy and disgrace. You wall 
not hesitate. The eyes of your General and of your fellow- 
soldiers are upon you. Virginia, your mother, bids you god- 
speed and the prayers of her fair daughters attend you. The 
eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting 
arms." 

" Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just. 
Let this be our motto: 'In God is our trust. ' 
Charge! boys, charge! " 

Down the slope the squadron rushed with impetuous ardor, 
sweeping everything before them. Colonel Massie, with the 
rest of the mounted men of the Tw^elfth, following closely 
in om- track, and General Rosser, with the rest of the brigade, 
pressing in front, the enemy broke in confusion and aban- 
doned the train. Just as the first squadron reached the w-agon- 
train, a Federal soldier, about fifteen yards to my right, level- 
ing his gun on me, fired. I saw his movement and dodged to 
one side of my horse to disconcert his aim, but his ball passed 
through my left shoulder and rendered me hors de combat. 
In a few moments I was taken from my horse, and bandages 
being scarce, the handkerchief was taken from my hat to 
staunch the flow of blood. Oiu" regimental surgeon soon 
appearing, my woimd was properly dressed and bandaged, 
and an ambulance conveyed me to Moorefield. The loss in 
our brigade was 24 killed and wounded. The enemy lost 80 
killed and wounded, 40 prisoners, one major (Judge Goff), 
and two captains. Wt captured 95 wagons heavily loaded 
with stores and a larg"e mmiber of mules. 

A correspondent of the Richmond Enquirer, accompany- 
ing our brigade on this expedition, gives the following 




John Lewis. 



Jpo Bull Run to Bull Run. 

" The fora}- made by Earl)-, Fitz Lee. and Rosser about 
the first of January, 1864, proving rather unsuccessful, it was 
ordered that General Early, with one brigade of infantry (Gen- 
eral Thomas's), Rosser's brigade of ca\'alr}', and McCalla- 
lian's Battery, should make another effort toward relieving 
the border of Yankees and cattle. Information had been 
received that a large su|)])]}'-train would mo\e from New 
Creek to Petersburg on a certain day; and, moreover, it was 
necessary that we should hold Petersburg" in order to make 
our search for cattle successful. The plan of operations 
having been decided upon, General Early, with Thomas's 
brigade of infantry, crossed by Orkney Springs. General 
Rosser's brigade, with McCallahan's Battery at Brock's Gap, 
forming a junction at Mathias's on the 31st, and entering 
Moorefield on the ist of February. That night our picket on 
the Petersburg- road, through negligence, was captured by a 
scouting party of the enemy that advanced within a half-mile 
of General Early's headquarters, without becoming aware of 
our presence. General Rosser, in order to prevent com- 
munication between Petersburg and the expected train, sent 
out Baylor's squadron of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, with 
a guide, to intercept couriers passing from one point to 
another. The brigade moved off about 10 A. M. on the 
road crossing the mountain and intersecting- the Petersburg 
and New-Creek road about five miles above Williamsport. 
As we were approaching the top of the mountain, our advance 
guard was checked by an infantry picket of the enemy about 
200 strong, which had been engaged in obstructing- the road. 
They moved off rapidly and safely, for pursuit was impracti- 
cable in consequence of the thorough blockade the enemy 
had constructed by throwing heavy timber across the road 
for a distance of three miles and digging away the road itself 
for some distance. These obstacles, by means of axes and 
picks in the hands of eager and determined men, were 
speedily removed, and in a few moments the Yankees were 
again in sight, in rapid rout for the Petersburg road. The 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ipr 

Twelfth movino- down on them. s|)ee(Hly checked them up, 
l)nt was unable to intlict any injury on account of the enemy's 
jjosition. who had lost no time in esconscing himself in the 
thick growth on the side of the mountain. At this crisis, how- 
ever. lUiylor's s(|ua(lron. misled through the ignorance of the 
guide, came up in the rear of the enemy and speedily dis- 
lodged him. General Rosser, following with his cavalry and 
l^attery. turned towards Williamsport and came up in sight 
of the enemy about two miles below, just as the Yankee picket 
met their main column. The Yankees were i.ioo strong, 
under Colonel Snyder. Confident of easy victor\-, they had 
parked their train, and were prepared to receive us. 

" General Rosser, dismounting detachments of the Seventh, 
Eleventh, and Twelfth and White's battalion, in all about 300 
men, placing his battery in position and throwing forward 
the remaining squadron of the Seventh under Major Alvers 
to charge the enemy when an opportunity offered, sent Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Alassie. with the rest of the Twelfth X'irginia, 
to make a demonstration in the enemy's rear, intercept com- 
munications, and blockade the road and commence the attack. 
Here was presented a sight novel and suggestive — dis- 
mounted cavalry, with short-range guns, attacking more than 
three times their number of infantry, prepared both by time 
and position to receive them. Pressing rapidly on the enemy, 
he drove them from one position to another until, having 
fairly uncovered the train, the appearance of our cavalry in 
their rear excited an agitation in their ranks, which the effec- 
tive charge of Major Myers quickly fomented into a panic, 
and the enemy sought safety in the neighboring mountains. 
Ninety wagons, 450 mules, flour, bacon, salt, molasses, sugar, 
coft'ee, beans, rice, overcoats and blankets, with four sutler 
wagons, loaded with all manner of eatables and wearables, 
were the booty captured. W'q reached camp on the 6th with 
1.200 cattle and the capture already named. Our casualties 
are Lieutenant Howell, of the Seventh, lost an arm; Captain 
Richardson, of the Eleventh, shot through the leg; the gal- 



192 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

lant Lieutenant Baylor, wounded in the slioulder; John H. 
Buck, of the brigade staff, in the leg." 

This correspondent fails to note that Samuel Wright, Com- 
pany B, of the Twelfth, was killed, and Charles Wiltshire, 
Company A, of the Twelfth, wounded. 

Colonel Snyder, commanding, in his official report to Gen- 
eral Mulligan, says : 

" In obedience to your orders, I started in command of the 
escort to supply-train for the garrison at Petersburg on 
Friday, January 29, 1864. On the next morning I received 
a dispatch from Colonel Thoburn requesting me to hurry up 
the train, that the Twenty-third Illinois regiment was at 
Moorefield Junction. Later in the day couriers came back 
with the request from Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk to push for- 
ward the train. The train was moved forward with all possi- 
ble speed and proceeded unmolested until we arrived at 
Medley, two and one-half miles below jMoorefield Junction, 
where I met Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk, commanding 
Twenty-third Illinois, falling back before the advance of the 
enemy. Being the ranking officer present, I assumed com- 
mand of the forces and immediately formed line of battle on 
the right of the road, the Twenty-third Illinois, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Quirk, occupying the left, a detachment of the 
Second Maryland the center, four companies of the Fourth 
West Virginia Cavalry occupying the right. Two companies 
of the Fourth were placed in position on our right flank, also 
a detachment of the Ringold Battalion, Lieutenant Spe^r, 
to prevent, if possible, a flank movement by the enemy. Two 
companies of the Fourth were ordered to take position on our 
left flank to prevent a similar movement of the enemy, and 
the two remaining companies of the Fourth were placed in 
rear of the center, to be used as the emergencies of the en- 
gagement might demand. I had scarcely got my command 
in position when the enemy opened upon us with two pieces 
of artillery, their infantry advancing at the same time, which 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ipj 

was met by a galling- Hre from my front, and caused them 
to fall back. Thrice they attemi)tcd the same thing, with the 
same results. 

"During the engagement in front, the enemy was extending 
their flanks, either of which lines — front, right, or left — was 
larger than my entire command. At this crisis, 1 ordered 
the train to l)e turned and started back, but to my great morti- 
fication two of the trainmasters had fled, and all the teamsters, 
with few exceptions. The position of my command was be- 
coming perilous. I discovered that the train must be aban- 
doned in order to save my command from capture. 1 then 
ordered my men to fall back to an elevation, where we 
re-formed in line of battle, giving the enemy several volleys, 
which checked their advance. Having foiled the enemy in 
their designs as long as it was possible for my little command 
to do so, having fought against great adds for one hour and 
twenty minutes, to save my command from capture, I was. 
compelled to order a retreat, which I did,, my command 
leaving the field slowly and in line of battle. Aly entire loss,, 
killed, wounded, and missing, is as follows: Major N. Goff,. 
Jr., Fourth West Virginia Cavalry, captured (horse shot, fell 
on his leg, and could not extricate himself); Lieutenant 
Elliott, slightly wounded; privates — killed, five; wounded, 34; 
missing, 35. I am confident the enemy's loss was much 
greater than ours. From information received since the 
engagement I am justified in saying that the rebel force con- 
sisted of Rosser's command of Early's Corps, with five pieces 
of artillery." 

After reading this report carefully. I am inclined to believe 
that Colonel Snyder fought like Falstaff by Shrewsbury 
clock. 

General Kelley, in his report, savs : 

" Colonel Thoburn's wagon-train was attacked and cap- 
tured yesterday. We lost about 80 men killed and wounded. 
The enemy's loss was much greater. We lost the wagon- 
train almost entirely." 
13 



ig^- Bull Run to Bull Run. 

The night after this lig'ht was spent by me at the hospitable 
home of Mr. McMechen, in Moorefield, and my old college- 
mate at Dickinson, Dr. O. S. Williams, dressed my wound, 
and every care and attention was shown me by the family of 
Mr. McMechen. The next day, in company with the body of 
my comrade, Sam Wright, I reached Mathias, and the fol- 
lowing day Harrisonburg, and was comfortably quartered as 
the guest of my cousins. Colonel A. S. Gray's family. 

I remember while at Colonel Gray's, playing the role of an 
ancient Hobson. There was visiting at this home, a dashing, 
handsome young lady, who played the guitar and sang 
divinely. My left arm was bandaged to my side. One day as 
I sat listening to her syren strains I became so infatuated that 
I could not resist the impulse, and, seizing a favorable oppor- 
tunity, while she was playing and singing in the parlor, with 
no one nigh, neared her side just as she reached " Chamouni, 
Sweet Chamouni ! Oh, the vale of Chamouni," clasped her 
neck with my right arm, and imprinted a kiss on her cheek. 
Down went the guitar, and, jumping up and facing me, she 
exclaimed, " You impudent soldier," and, going to the hall, 
called the ladies of the house and accused me before them. 
This was a kiss that even yet has a lingering sweetness, worth 
ten thousand of these modern Hobsonian, microbian, bac- 
terian, pro bono publico osculations. 

Remaining- at Harrisonburg about two weeks, I moved to 
Staunton and was quartered in the Confederate Hospital, 
where I remained until the ist of May following. While there 
I returned the handkerchief to its fair owner, dyed in my 
blood, but beyond her kindness and attention nothing more 
romantic grew out of the afTair. 

Our brigade, after this trip, remained quiet in camp near 
Harrisonburg and near Balcony Falls. At the Harrisonburg 
camp, by a coup d'etat, or, possibly a coup dc main. Company 
B succeeded in relieving Dr. Burton, our brigade surgeon, 
of a keg of fine brandy, obtained by him for medicinal pur- 
poses, but most generally used by the brigade and regimental 




Elijah Lewis. 



ipd Bull Run to Bull Run. 

officers for home consumption. I learned afterwards how the 
robbery was effected. The term of f nhstment of the regiment 
was expiring-, and a good deal of enthusiasm was being 
aroused by the officers to encourage the men to re-enlist. 
Some of Company B had been in the Surgeon's tent and 
learned of the arri\al of the brandy, and the Doctor's en- 
thusiasm on the subject of re-enlistment (mostly produced 
l)y the l)randy). Having laid their plans, they marched in a 
body to the Doctor's tent and called on him for a speech, and 
while the boys in front of the tent were cheering and applaud- 
ing the Doctor's feeble efforts, a chosen detail raised the rear 
of the tent, rolled out the keg and bore it off in triumph. That 
night, as the Doctor was about to take his retiring drink, the 
keg was missed, but no clue to its whereabouts could be 
obtained. 

On a visit to the camp, on one occasion, the Doctor came 
to see me, saying he knew Company B had his keg of brandy, 
and if I would see the boys and get them to return him a gal- 
lon he would say nothing more about the matter; but I 
resented so foul an imputation upon the good name of Com- 
pany B, though I w-as satisfied from w'hat I had seen and 
heard that the accusation was well founded. Dr. Burton never 
got a drink of that brandy, but Company B had a merry time 
over it for a couple of weeks. Lieutenant Washington awoke 
one night and found two spies standing over his tent and 
watching his movements, but on complaint to headquarters, 
no further steps were taken to ascertain the culprits. Com- 
pany B drank the brandy, grew enthusiastic, and unani- 
mously re-enlisted. 

General Rosser having made his report on the fight near 
Medley and the capture of the enemy's train, it was indorsed 
by General Stuart as follows : 

" Respectfully forwarded. The bold and successful enter- 
prise herein reported furnishes additional proof of General 
Rosser's merits as a commander, and adds fresh laurels to that 
veteran brigade so signalized for valor already." 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. /p/ 

After this, (leneral Kosser, in a general order, ha|)tize(l the 
brigade ■" The Laurel lirii^ade." and (Hrected that each mem- 
ber of the conuiiand should wear a laurel leaf on his hat; an 
order not relished l)y the men. and " more honored in the 
breach than the observance." 'Vhcy recognized that while 
there was a time to tight, there was also a time to run. and it 
would be the height of infamy and disgrace to engage in the 
latter with such a civic crown publicly displayed, and they 
were not yet prepared for the last-ditch extremity. 

The residue of the winter was ])assed by the com]Kmy in 
the quietude of camj). Occasionally, in the latter part of the 
season, gathering a few hospital i)atients, 1 would make a 
little sally into the lower \^alley. more for the purpose of 
visiting my home and friends than attacking the enemy. 
General Averill seems to. have been informed of these visits 
by his argus-eyed and his hundredfold magnifying patrol, as 
on March lo. 1864. he wires General Sullivan at Harper's 
Ferry: ''It is reported by my patrol that about 90 rebels, 
under Baylor, are hovering about Smithfield." 1 remember 
returning from one of these trips with my friend. Captain John 
Opie, of Staunton, and passing up the Luray Valley. Night 
overtook us near an old war acquaintance, Mr. Peter Keyser, 
who lived on the west bank of the east fork of the Shenan- 
doah. When the river was reached, it was too dark to dis- 
tinguish the ford, and we halted on the east bank for some 
time, debating whether the crossing should be attempted and 
which should be the leader. Both were e(|ually incapacitated, 
each having an arm in the sling. John, however, was a good 
swimmer, an art never learned by me. It was finally deter- 
mined that I should lead the way. so into the stream I 
plunged, trusting my horse, a fine one, would bear me over 
safely. As 1 was mounting the opposite bank I heard a 
splash and cry for help, and, looking back, saw John in the 
water, with his hand holding his stirrup strap, and his horse 
bravelv making for shore, which he reached in safety. John 
onlv worsted bv a good ducking. Hurrying up to Mr. Key- 



ip8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ser's, he and his two daughters gave us a kind welcome, and 
we were soon warming before a rousing old-time wood fire. 
Mr. Keyser insisted that John should change his garments 
and put on a suit of his clothing, while his own were dried. 
Now, it so happened that Mr. Keyser was a portly, corpulent 
man, weighing, possibly, three hundred pounds, and John 
was tall, spare, and slender. At the first entreaty, John de- 
clined the old gentleman's kindness, evidently recognizing 
the misfit with a glance, but his condition was so uncomfort- 
able that he finally assented, and he and his host retired for 
the exchange. In a half-hour, John returned to the parlor, 
where the young ladies and myself were engaged in conver- 
sation, and the metamorphosis was so great that as our eyes 
fell upon him the whole party roared with laughter. John's 
legs seemed a foot too long for the pants and the pants 
seemed a foot too wide for his legs; the seat of the trousers 
bagged about as if needing a feather bed to complete the 
outfit, W'hile the little shadbelly coat lacked a heavy stomacher 
to keep its sides from too much overlap. He was the skeleton 
in the fat man's clothes. John grew angry at our irresistible 
merriment and so much exasperated with me that in the 
morning he challenged me to fight. I declined to accommo- 
date him for the present, stating that when I got through the 
job on hand with the Yankees I would consider the matter, 
well knowing he was too proud and honorable to murder me. 
He can now smile faintly over this incident, but it still rankles 
in his bosom. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

No star ever rose 
And set, without influence somewhere. Who knows 
What earth needs from earth's lowest creature! 
No life 

Can be pure in its purpose and strong in its strife 
And all life not be purer and stronger thereby. 

Lxrillr. 

On Alarch lo, 1864, General Grant was given command of 
all the armies of the United States, with headquarters nomi- 
nally in Washington, but in fact in the field with the Army of 
the Potomac, and with unlimited supplies of men and material 
at his command, preparations on a grand scale were made for 
crushing the Army of Northern Virginia in the coming cam- 
paign. General Scott had tried it and been sent back from 
]\Ianassas in great rout and panic. McClellan had been called 
from \A'est \^irginia to supersede Scott, and had organized a 
larger, grander army, with the bombastic Pope as an ally, 
but the battles around Richmond, at Cedar Mountain and at 
Second Manassas had shorn the locks of both. 

On the 5th of November, 1862, McClellan had been re- 
Heved and Burnside put in command, but Fredericksburg's 
bloody massacre ended his little hour on the stage, and 
Hooker entered in the next act. On the 26th of January, 
1863, Mr. Lincoln wrote him as follows: 

" General, T have placed you at the head of the Army of the 
Potomac. Of course. I have done this upon what appears 
to me sutticient reasons, yet 1 think it best for you to know 
that there are some things in regard to which I am not quite 
satisfied with you. I believe you to be a brave and skillful 
soldier, which, of course, I like. I also believe you do not 
mix politics with your profession, in which you are right. 
You have confidence in vourself, which is a valuable, if not an 
[199] 



200 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

indispensable quality. You are ambitious, which, within 
reasonable bounds, does good rather than harm; but I think 
that during General Burnside's command of the army, you 
have taken counsel of your ambition, and thwarted him as 
much as you could, in which you did a great wrong to the 
country, and to a most meritorious and honorable brother 
officer. I have heard in such a way as to believe it, of your 
recently saying that both the army and the government 
needed a dictator. Of course, it was not for this, but in spite 
of it, that I have given you the command. Only those gen- 
erals who gain successes can set up dictators. What I now 
ask of you is military success and I will risk the dictatorship." 

On the same day Hooker took conuiiand, and issued his 
general order to the army, in which he said : 

" In ecjuipment, intelligence and valor the enemy is our 
inferior; let us never hesitate to give him battle, wherever we 
can find him." 

After not very diligent search he found him at Chancellors- 
ville, and after the loss of 1,700 men, retreated by night to the 
north bank of the Rappahannock and issued another general 
order, in which he said : 

" Profoundly loyal and conscious of its strength, the Army 
of the Potomac will give or decline battle whenever its in- 
terest or honor will demand. It will also be the guardian of 
its own history and its own fame." 

Poor Hooker ! How heavily he fell ! "Ambition should 
be made of sterner stuff." Where is thy dictatorship? The 
ingredients of success are wanting, th}' doom is pronounced, 
and the ghost of Meade, with a kingly crown, walks upon the 
stage. Meade struts his little hour upon that stage and the 
glory of Grant soon obscures him. 

On the 3d of May, 1864, the armies of Grant and Lee began 
to move, and our brigade was ordered east of the mountains. 
The men and horses, refreshed from the rest of the past three 




Wni Locke. 



202 Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

months, were now ready for another campaign. The brigade 
reached Waynesboro on the 3d, and bivouacked for th.e night. 
Having learned of its movements, I bade the hospital farewell 
and reported for duty. On the 4th, crossed the Blue Ridge 
and passed through Charlottesville on our way to Tod's 
Tavern. The next day, as we were nearing Tod's Tavern, 
with the Twelfth Cavalry in front and Companies B and I in 
advance, under Captain Louis Harman (who had lately been 
promoted from adjutant of our regiment to the captaincy 
of Company I), we suddenly encountered the advance of 
Wilson's Division of Cavalry. General Rosser, who was 
riding w'ith the advance, immediately ordered a charge, and 
off the squadron went, striking the enemy a blow which 
caused a panic and flight without much resistance. Rushing 
the advance back on its regiment, that also broke and joined 
in the retreat. Sabers w^ere freely used on the retreating- foe, 
and large numbers of them captured. Our advantage 
was pressed with vigor about two miles, wdien we ran into a 
brigade of the enemy drawn up to receive us, and so close was 
the pursuit that our front files passed through the enemy's 
line, with the fugitives, before the situation w^as realized. 

The enemy soon began to close in upon us, anticipating 
an easy capture, as our support had been so far outdistanced 
in the race as to afford us no help. At this point, there was 
a thick wood on our left, and, turning my horse into the wood, 
most of the men followed and all escaped, a few having re- 
ceived slight saber cuts. Captain Harman, however, w^as 
riding an unmanageable horse, and. being unable to turn it 
into the wood, was carried on into the midst of the enemy, 
and was captured. Having reached the road in front of the 
enemy, we were driven back upon our regiment, when the 
tide of battle was again turned and the enemy repulsed. The 
rest of the brigade now coming up, a portion of the men were 
dismounted and a steady forward movement begun. After 
driving the enemy some distance, a favorable opportunity be- 
ing offered, a charge of moimted men was ordered, the enemy 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 20^ 

routed. (lri\'en in confusion licyond Tod's Tavern, many being- 
killed, wounded, and capture*!. It was on this occasion, just 
after the rout of the enemy, that Major McDonald, of the 
Ele\-enth. in the midst of the ])ursuit, became so enthused 
that he grasped General Rosser around the waist, exclaiming, 
" General, isn't this glorious! " and together they went down 
the road full tilt, to the great amusement of the brigade. The 
enemy were driven over the Po river upon their infantry 
lines, and the i)ursuit was abandoned. From prisoners taken 
we learned that the force encountered was Wilson's Division, 
comi)rising three brigades of cavalry, with one batter}', while 
on our side the fig-ht was maintained by one brigade alone. 
In this engagement Company B lost in killed John Smith 
and William Averill. and Phil Copeland, Jimmie Crane, 
Daniel Dovenberger, Crocket Eddins, Duck English, Abe 
Gordon, Charlie Henderson, Dave Lewis, George Wingard, 
and Tom Zombro, wounded. The loss in our brigade — killed, 
wounded, and missing — was 114. The Federal report of 
casualties in Wilson's Division shows a loss of three of^cers 
and 94 men killed, 2"/ officers and 389 men wounded, and 10 
officers and 187 men missing. On the afternoon of the 5th, 
while we were driving \\'ilson in rout and confusion. General 
Gregg's Division came to his rescue, and after a severe con- 
test our brigade was driven back over the Po, and encamped 
that night on the west l)ank of that stream. 

General Lee. in his report to the Secretary of War, says: 

"A large force of cavalry and artillery on our right flank 
was driven back by Rosser's Brigade." 

(jeneral Wilson, in his report, says: 

" By 8 A. M. the Second Brigade, with the First \'ermont 
Cavalry. Colonel Preston commanding, in advance, had 
arrived at Craig's Meeting-House. Just beyond they encoun- 
tered the enemy's cavalry, Rosser's Brigade, and after a very 
sharp light and several handsome charges, drove it rapidly 



204 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

back a distance of two miles, taking some prisoners. About 
noon Chapman's ammunition became exhausted, and, fear- 
ing to press the pursuit too far, I directed him to hokl the 
position he then occupied and observe closely the movements 
of the enemy's troops. Having observed the menacing dis- 
position of the enemy in front of Chapman's Brigade, I 
directed him to collect his dismounted men and be prepared 
to fall back if the enemy should press him too severely. Soon 
after this, having receix'ed reinforcements, the enemy ad- 
vanced and compelled Chapman to retire. It was now^ 
apparent that the rebel force was considerably superior to 
ours, and, being short of ammunition, I directed Chapman to 
fall back rapidly beyond the Meeting-House, and reform in 
rear of the First Brigade. My headquarters having been 
located at Mrs. Faulkner's house, wdien the rebels arrived at 
that place, my escort, composed of about 50 men of the 
Eighth Illinois Cavalr}\ commanded by Lieutenant Long, 
Third Indiana Cavalry, gave them a severe check, and in con- 
junction with a heavy tire from Pennington's and Fitzhugh's 
batteries, enabled everything to withdraw from the main 
road to the position occupied by the First Brigade. I had 
scarcely arrived there, however, when I w-as informed by Col- 
onel Bryan that the enemy had made his appearance at an 
early hour in the forenoon in his rear, on the road to Parker's 
Store, and that none of my couriers to General Meade had 
succeeded in getting through. Surprised at this, and fearing 
for the safety of my command, I immediately determined to 
withdraw by a blind road by Tod's Tavern to Chancellors- 
ville. I had scarcely taken this resolution, when I perceived 
that the enemy was pushing rapidlv down the Catharpin road 
in the same direction. The march was begun at once; the 
Second Brigade in advance, followed the batteries and the 
First Brigade. The Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel W. P. Brinton commanding, was left to cover 
the rear. The main column crossed the Po near its head, and 
struck the Catharpin road just beyond Corbin's Bridge. It 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 205 

had scarcely got u])()n the road, when the rebels made their 
a])|)earance on the hill west of the bridge. I sticceeded in 
reaching the road with my escort just in time to prevent 
being- cut off. The rear-guard found the road occupied by the 
enemy, but Colonel Brinton made three brilliant and deter- 
mined charges, breaking the enemy's cavalry, but fmding he 
could not succeed in getting through without hea\'y loss, he 
struck off to the left and joined the dixision late in the e\-en- 
ing. At Tod's Tavern I found Brigadier-General Gregg, with 
his division, and. passing behind him, formed my command to 
assist in holding the place. Gregg moved promi)tly out, 
attacked the enemy, and after a sharp fight, repulsed him." 

From General Wilson's report it will l)e seen that our 
brigade, three regiments and a battalion of cavair}-, had re- 
l)ulse(l his whole division of cavalr_\- and drixen it in rout 
beyond the Po, and he was obliged to re-form his command in 
rear of Gregg, and then with these two divisions, comprising 
17 regiments and six batetries, they had driven us back, after 
a severe fight, across the river. 

General Davies, of Gregg's Division, in his report, says: 

" On the morning of the 5th, we marched to Tod's Tavern, 
and on arriving there, relieved the Third Division. We 
fought until dark, and succeeded in driving the enemy. Lost 
61 men, mostl}" from the First New Jersey and First Massa- 
chusetts Cavalry." 

Cjeneral Gregg says these two regiments lost 91 men in 
this engagement. 

Colonel John \\'. Kester, First New Jersey Cavalry, in his 
report, says : 

" When we arrived at a village called Tod's Tavern, we 
met the Third Cavalry Division, commanded by General Wil- 
son, rapidly retreating before the enemy's cavalry in a very 
disordered state. General Davies's Brigade was immediately 
thrown forward, and, having rapidly moved a half-mile, we 



2o6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

met the advance of the enemy's cavalry pressing forward on 
the rear of General Wilson. Captain Hart, with the first 
squadron, was ordered to charge, which he did with such 
impetuosity that the enemy in turn were routed, and the 
gallant first squadron pressed them back on their main body, 
imtil they in turn were met by the charge of a rebel regiment, 
which again turned the tide of battle. At this critical junc- 
ture. I hastened to his support with three squadrons of my 
regiment, the remaining two being sent on the flanks. Hastily 
forming these squadrons in line of battle, the whole line 
mo\'ed forward and gave the enemy such a sharp volley, fol- 
lowed by a rapid fire at will, that they desisted from their 
charge and endeavored to keep back the advancing line of my 
regiment, but without success. Forward we moved, as 
steadily as a parade, the rebels endeavoring to check us w'ith 
showers of canister, but with no avail; and they hastily 
limbered up their guns and fell back, just in time to prevent 
their capture." 

The Laurel Brigade, in this the opening fight of the cam- 
paign, had covered itself with glory and well merited its 
laurels. The infantry of Lee's army was also engaged on the 
5th, on our left, and the fight along the whole line was severe; 
the Confederate side attacking and gradually gaining ground. 
This was the opening of the grandest campaign of the war, 
and one in which General Lee showed himself the foremost 
and greatest of the masters of war. On the Federal side 
Grant had an army of 130,000, while the Confederate force 
under Lee did not number over 50,000. During the cam- 
paign General Grant received reinforcements estimated at 
100,000, while Lee received not more than 10,000. The loss 
on the Federal side from the Wilderness to the James was 
largely in excess of Lee's entire army. But while there was 
great disparity in loss, it was evident after a few days' fight- 
ing that the days of the Confederacy were numbered. The 
tactics of Grant were different from those of any of his pre- 
decessors. At Spotsylvania and Malvern Hill, though he 




C. J. Manning-. 



2o8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

had suffered greater losses and was more completely repulsed 
than either McClellan, Burnside, or Hooker, he did not re- 
treat, but continued to hurl his broken columns against our 
impregnable lines, merely moving slowly by the left Hank. 

Our losses in the various engagements were comparatively 
small, but our supplies were exhausted and recruits could not 
be obtained. Though the future looked gloomy and our de- 
struction seemed inevitable, the morale of our army was never 
better or its courage more pronounced. 

On the morning of the 6th, Rosser's Adjutant-General, 
Emmet, having been w-ounded on the preceding day, I w^as 
assigned to duty on his staff. General Stuart, with the rest 
of Hampton's Division, and the divisions of Fitz and \\\ H. 
F. Lee having joined us near Tod's Tavern, and Sheridan 
having concentrated his cavalry corps in the vicinity of the 
same place, the fight was renewed with great vigor, lasting 
all day, both sides fighting mostly on foot, and neither gain- 
ing a decisive advantage. 

In this day's engagement Company B lost Lieutenant 
Washington, Phil Terrill, and Bob Craighill w^ounded, and 
the company now being without a commissioned officer, I 
was relieved from staff duty and returned to its command. 

General Sheridan, in his report at 1 1 A. M. of the 6th, says: 

" My cavalry has been engaged, and is now engaged, 
heavily at Tod's Tavern and on the Brock road in front of the 
Furnaces, three or four miles. It is reported that there is 
infantry in their front. There is no infantry on the Brock 
road. Every attack made on the cavalry so far has l^een hand- 
somely repulsed." 

But at 2 :20 P. M. he sends the following order to General 
Gregg : 

" The General commanding directs that you fall back from 
your present position at Tod's Tavern and relieve General 
Wilson's Division, now- occupying Piney Grove church and 
Alrich's." 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



20p 



During- the day the infantry on our left was heavily en- 
gaged, and succeeded in turning General Hancock's left and 
throwing that wing of the Federal army into confusion. 

On the morning- of the 7th our cavalry advanced and the 
tight was renewed with great vigor, and lasted until late in 
the afternoon, without decisive result, excepting the advance 
of our lines. There were several hand-tcj-hand conflicts 
(luring- ihe day. Our brigade and the enemy's force in our 
front occupied elevations, with depressions between, about 
a half-mile apart, and the artillery on both sides w'ere firing 
rajMdly. when the enemy, moving two mounted regiments to 
their front, n-iade a charge on our guns. General Rosser at 
once ordered a charge of Wliite's Battalion, and the Twelfth 
Cavalry, and the opposite forces met midway between the 
lines, and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued and the enemy were 
repulsed. In this charge, George Crayton, of Company B, a 
most fearless soldier, meeting a brave Yankee, they slashed 
each other with the saber, then clinched and rolled to the 
ground. Cra}ton was as wiry and agile as he was brave, and, 
landing his adversary beneath, compelled his surrender, and 
l)rought him ofT a prisoner. This is but one instance of n-ian3\ 
for in this combat there were many deeds of daring on both 
sides. Probably in no encounter during the war was wit- 
nessed such a close conflict maintained for such a length of 
time. Colonel ^^'hite and his battalion, who united with our 
regiment in this charge, were as brave as Leonidas and his 
band of patriots, always noted fighters, needing only the in- 
spiring words of their leader, "Come on, my Comanches," to 
follow^ that leader, even into the jaws of death. They tlid 
their part nobly. 

On the 8th, the h>(leral cavalry disappeared from our front 
and concentrated near Alrich's, on the Plank road to Frede- 
ricksburg, and on the day following started on its raid on 
Richmond. General Stuart, with his cavalry corps, except- 
ing our brigade, started in pursuit. On the same day I was 
directed, with 20 men from Company B, to move down the 
14 



^10 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

road beyond Tod's Tavern and ascertain the whereabouts of 
the enemy. Passing through a woods about two miles be- 
yond our ])icket line, we came in view of the enemv's breast- 
works, which appeared deserted, but as we neared them, a 
line of infantry pickets rose up and poured a volley into our 
squad, wounding two men. As our force was inadequate to 
attack, we hastily retreated to the cover of the woods, and 
halted to ascertain their strength and also to recover my hat, 
lost in wheeling about, when the enemy opened on our party. 
The hat had been sent me l^y some friends in Jefferson, and 
was ornamented with a hue black ])lume. I was not willing to 
relinc|uish it without an eft"ort to regain it. It lay about two 
hiuidred }ards in front of the enem^-'s Ijreastworks, and about 
twenty yards from the edge of the woods in which we had 
halted. Dismounting, I gave my horse in charge of one of 
our men, also my saber and pistol, and stealthily approaching 
the edg'e of the woods, made a dash for the hat, and, grabbing 
it up, ran back to the wood amid a shower of balls, none of 
which took eft'ect. ^Mounting, I reported to camj) with the 
information obtained. 

Grant was now mo\-ing rapidly towards Spotsylvania 
Courthouse, and our infantry, to confront him, moved 
speedily in the same direction, leaving our brigade to protect 
the left wing of our army. Sheridan, with his cavalry corps, 
continued his march towards Richmond, and on the nth, 
General Stuart confronted him with a portion of his corps 
at Yellow Tavern, about six miles from Richmond, where in 
a severe engagement our forces were repulsed, and General 
Stuart was mortally wounded, dying in Richmond on the fol- 
lowing day. He was a dashing, bra^•e officer, who ne^•er 
failed to fight, no matter how great the odds against him. He 
had a genius for escaping with success from tight places. 
General Wade Hamj^ton succeeded him as cavalry cor]:»s com- 
mander. 

Our l)rigade was for several da}'s engaged in harassing the 
enemv's right. ' On the evening of the 14th we passed in rear 



/)//// Run to IhiU Run. 2il 

of Hancock's Corps, drove off the L^imrds of the Fifth Army 
Corps Hos|)ital, releasing- onr ])risoners and captured many 
of the enemv, l)ut leaving- those bachy wounded, with nurses, 
attendants, and suri^eons. 

(ieneral Ilancock, rej^ortint;- this affair to (ieneral Meade, 
sa}s : 

" It is rehable that the Fifth Corps Hospital has l)een en- 
tered l)y the enemy. General Rosser is said to be in command 
of a brig-ade of cavalry. He left the men attendants, who had 
on badges, took away the rest, and all the rel)e]s who could 
walk. There were 270 patients left." 

The Ijrigade continued, from day to day, following up the 
enemy's move by the left tiank, breaking the monotony now 
and then with a skirmish with the enemy's infantry, until the 
28th, when Haws' Shop was reached, and a spirited contest 
ensued between two divisions of Sheridan's Corps and Ros- 
ser's and Butler's brigades of our cavalry. In the earlier part 
of the (lav. we drove the enemy's cavalry back on their infan- 
try, but late in the afternoon the enemy, being heavily rein- 
forced, regained a portion of the gr(nmd. 

General Grant, in his report of May 29th, says: 

" Yesterday two divisions of our cavalry had a severe en- 
gagement with the enemy south of Haws' Shop, driving them 
about a mile on what appears to be his new line. We will find 
out all about it to-day. Our loss in the cavalry engagement 
was 350 killed and wounded, of whom but 44 are ascertained 
to be killed." 

And General Sheridan, in his report, says: 

'* I was innnediately ordered to demonstrate in the direc- 
tion of jMechanicsville, in order to find out the enemy s where- 
abouts, and therefore directed Gregg's Division to move out 
-,'ia Haws' Shop, on the Alechanicsville road, but when about 
three-fourths of a mile in advance of Haws' Shop, it encoun- 



212 Bull Run to Bull I\mi. 

tered the enemy's cavalry, which was chsmoiinted and behind 
a temporary breastwork of rails.. Gregg vigorously attacked 
this force, which appeared to be the rebel cavalry corps and a 
brigade of South Carolina troops, reported 4,000 strong, armed 
with long-range rifles and commanded by a Colonel But- 
ler. These Carolinians fought very gallantly in this their first 
fight, judging from the number of their dead and wounded, 
and prisoners captured. The most determined efforts were 
made on both sides in this unecjual contest, and neither would 
give way imtil late in the evening, when Custer's (Michigan) 
Brigade was dismounted, formed in close columns of attack, 
and charged with Gregg's Division, when the enemy was 
driven back, leaving all his dead and his line of temporary 
works in our possession. This was a hard-contested engage- 
ment, with heavy loss, for the number of troops engaged on 
both sides, and was fought almost immediately in front of the 
infantry of our army, which was busily occupied throwing up 
breastworks." 

General Sheridan has most justly accorded praise to our 
South Carolina comrades in this fight. They behaved like 
veterans, although receiving their " baptism of fire." It was 
during this engagement that our regiment was ordered to 
support our batteries on the left of our line, and while thus 
engaged, the fire of the enemy's guns became so hot that we 
were directed to dismount and hold our horses. Some of the 
men hugged their dear old mother earth, and seemed in- 
clined to rest within her bosom, to shield themselves from the 
bursting shell. Looking around at Company B, I saw John 
Wolfe lying in a little crevice in the ground, face downwards, 
apparently much alarmed. Just then a shell bursting in our 
front, its fragments scattered through the company, without 
damage, a piece landing near my feet. Picking up the frag- 
ment, I playfully cast it over on Wolfe. With a cry of anguish 
he leaped up, left his horse, ran back through the pines, and 
all my efforts to stop his retreat were futile. Yet Wolfe on 
the second day's -fight in the \\^ilderness. in a charge on the 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 21^ 

enemy's l^reastworks, liad acted with more than orrlinarv 
courai^c. It is \q\-\ tr^iiiq- to stand under a severe fire, and 
still harder to retreat in order nnder it. 1 remember a gaUant 
soldier in the company once telhnj^- me never to order him to 
retreat, as he conld not retreat withont disgracing himself. 

Wdiile otn- arms in this campaign had been crowned with 
success, we had U) mourn the loss oi our l)rave corps com- 
mander and many gallant comrades, 1)ut they had not lived 
or died in xain. Their noble example remained with us. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Let this truth suffice; 
The brave meets danger, and the coward flies: 
To die or conquer, proves a hero's heart; 
And know this, he linew a soldier's part. 
Without a sign, his sword the biave man draws, 
And asks no omen, but his country's cause. 

Honicr. 

On tlie morning of the ist of June, having leai-ned that the 
enemy's cavah-y had passed through Hanover, moving in the 
direction of Ashland, General Rosser, with the Ele\-enth and 
Twelfth Cavalry moved off to learn the enemy's whereabouts. 
Striking the Ashland road about two miles east of the station, 
we discovered the enemy's tracks passing westward in the 
direction of the station. General Rosser,. closing up the regi- 
ments, prepared for an attack. The Twelfth held the front, 
and received orders to move forward, charge the enemy as 
soon as they ap]:ieared in sight, and ride them down. Com- 
pany B was ordered to take the advance of the regiment with 
similar orders. Reaching a point al)out a mile from Ashland, 
we discovered the enemy, without rear-guard, with a regi- 
ment of led horses, occupying the rear of the column, the 
men having gone forward. The task was an easy one. A 
charge w^as ordered, the company pushed forward, riding 
through a regiment of led horses, capturing a large number 
of prisoners and horses, and was soon so weighed down with 
booty that its effectiveness was destroyed. 

Tn this charge the enenn- had been pressed for\\ard to 
within half a mile of the station before our men received a 
check. This halt was for a few moments, when the Twelfth 
and Eleventh regiments coming up, the enemy again broke 
and was dri\'en back within two hundred yards of the station. 
Here a livelv contest ensued, which lasted for an hour or 

[214] 




\Vm. P. Manning-. 



2i6 Bull Run io Bull Run. 

more. It seems that W. H. F. Lee's Division had commenced 
the attack in the enemy's front just prior to our arrival in the 
rear, and the enemy's movements and plans were made to 
meet this force and its rear left exposed. General Lee's forces 
now uniting with ours, a determined assault was made on the 
enemy's position at Ashland, the enemy's lines were broken, 
and they were soon in rapid retreat, leaving their dead and 
wounded in our hands. 

Li this engagement Billy Locke, a youthful member of 
Company B, was killed. He had just returned from a visit 
to his home, in Jefferson, and that morning reported for duty. 
When Company B was ordered forward and the contest 
seemed near at hand, he rode to the front of the company, and 
requested to ride with the Orderly Sergeant and myseif, say- 
ing he had a presentiment he would be killed in this fight, 
and wanted to die in the front rank. I made light of his pre- 
sentiment, but told him he could ride with us, if he desired 
it. When the enemy made its first stand, Locke was among 
the foremost, and fell, pierced through the breast by a ball. 
He was a gallant young soldier, and a favorite among his 
comrades. 

General Lee, in his ofificial report, says : 

'" Yesterday afternoon the enemy's cavalry were reported 
to be advancing by the left of our line toward Hanover Court- 
house and Ashland. General Hampton, with Rosser's Bri- 
gade, proceeded .to meet them. Rosser fell upon their rear, 
and charged down the road toward Ashland, bearing every- 
thing before him. His progress was arrested at Ashland by 
the intrenchments of the enemy, when he changed his direc- 
tion and advanced up the Fredericksburg railroad. General 
W. H. F. Lee came up at this time with a part of his division, 
and a joint attack was made. The enemy was quickly driven 
from the place and pursued towards Hanover Courthouse 
until dark." 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 2iy 

General Hampton, in a note to (ieneral Rosser, says: 

" General Lee directs me to acknowledj^e the receipt of 
yonr note of 5 130 A. M., and express his ^-ratification at the 
handsome conduct of Rosser's command and his thanks for 
their ha\in^- so gallantl}' defeated the enemy." 

General Wilson reports to General Sheridan : 

" Mcintosh is at Ashland, where he was attacked in the 
rear by a force from some unexpected quarter. He is now 
hotly engaged, and I am endeavoring- to relieve him by send- 
ing troops to attack the enemy in the rear. 1 think we shall 
succeed, and return l)y the road from the bridge through 
Hanover Courthouse, or, possibly, across to Northside.'' 

In his postscript to his official report to General Meade, of 
date of June 2d, he shows how well he got oiT. 

" I was compelled to leave 30 or 40 wounded at Ashland, 
two officers, for the lack of ambulances. Would it be proper 
to send a fiag of truce, with a train of ambulances, for per- 
mission to bring them in? " 

While unable to fix the enemy's loss, I know it was large 
in killed and wounded; and a large number of prisoners and 
horses were captured. Our loss was small. 

On the 9th, General Hampton having received information 
that Sheridan was moving to the rear of our left fiank, 
marched with Fitz Lee's and Butler's divisions to intercept 
him, and on the nth encountered his forces near Trevillian's 
Station. \Mien the fight began, Rosser's Brigade was moving 
in the direction of Gordonsville. but, hearing firing in our 
rear, he hastily counter-marched in the direction of the battle- 
field. About a mile from Trevillian. the enemy (Custer's 
Brigade) was disco\-ered charging across our roadway into 
the rear of the South Carolina Brigade. Rosser innnediately 
ordered a charge, and with White's Battalion in front, bore 
down on Custer's line, splitting it in twain, routing them, 
recapturing our men and horses taken by them, and securing 



^iS Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

a lai-o-e niiml)er of i)risoners. six caissons and several ambu- 
lances. The fight continued without intermission all dav. 
and that night we remained in line of battle. Early next 
morning the fight was renewed with great vigor, the enemy 
making repeated assaults on our line, all of which were hand- 
somely repulsed. Late in the afternoon our troops advanced 
all along the line, and the enemy were driven back in rout and 
confusion, and only night saved him from signal defeat. Pre- 
parations were made for a renewal of the attack in the morn- 
ing, but during the night the enemy disappeared from our 
front, and got several hours' start of our troops. In the 
morning our forces pursued and captured many prisoners 
along the line of retreat. 

General Hampton, in his official rejjort, savs : 

"At daylight my division was ready to attack at Trevillian's, 
Butler's and Young's brigades being held for that purpose, 
while Rosser was sent to cover a road on my left. Soon after 
these dispositions were made. General Lee sent to inform me 
that he was moving out to attack. Butler was immediately 
advanced, and soon met the enemy, whom he drove hand- 
somely, until he was heavily reinforced and took position 
behind \^■orks. Young's Brigade was sent to reinforce Butler, 
and these two l:)rigades pushed the enemy steadily back, and I 
hoped to effect a junction with Lee's Division at Clayton's 
Store in a short time; but while we were driving the enemy 
in front, it was reported to me that a force had appeared in 
my rear. Ui)on investigation. I found this report correct. The 
brigade which had been engaging General Lee. having with- 
drawn from his front, passed his left and got in my rear. This 
forced me to withdraw in front and take up a new line. This 
was soon done, and the brigade (Custer's which had attacked 
me in my rear was severely punished, for I recalled Rosser's 
Brigade, which charged them in front, driving them back 
against General Lee. who was moving up to Trevillian, and 
captured many prisoners. In this sudden attack in my rear 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 21^ 

the ciicni}' c;i])ture(l some of my led horses, a few amlmlances 
and wai^ons. and three caissons. 'Idiese were ail recaptured 
1)\ (ienerals Rosser and I.ee, the latter takin,<;\ in addilicMi, 
four caissons and the head(|iiarter wai;"on of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Cnsler. M_\- new line being- established, I directed (Gen- 
eral Lee to join me with his command as soon as ])ossible. 
Idle enemy tried to dislodge me from my new positicjn, but 
failed, and the relati\e positions of the opposing forces re- 
triained the same during the night." 

The next day at 12 AI.. General Lee reported to me, and 
his di\ision was placed so as to support mine, in case the 
eneni}- attacked. -\t 3:30 P. ]\L a heavy attack was made 
on my left, where Butler's Brigade was posted. Being re- 
pulsed, the enemy made a succession of determined assaults, 
which were ah handsomely repulsed. In the mean time. Gen- 
eral Lee had, by my directions, reinforced Butler's left with 
W'ickham's Brigade, while he took Lomax's Brigade across 
to Gordonsville road, so as to strike the enemy on his right 
flank. This moxeiuent was successful, and the eneiuy, who 
had been hea\il}' punished in front, when attacked cm his 
flank, fell back in confusion, leaving his dead and a portion 
of his wounded on the field. I immediately ga\e orders to 
follow him u]), btit it was daylight before these orders could 
be carried out, the fight not having ended until 10 P. M. In 
this interx'al the enemy had withdrawn entirely, lea\-ing his 
(lead scattered o\er the whole field, with about 125 wounded 
on the ground and in temporary hospitals. We ca])tured, in 
addition to the wounded, in the fight and the pursuit 570 
prisoners. Mv loss in mv own dixision was 59 killed, 258 
wounded, and K)"^ missing." 

General I\. L. Lee writes General Hampton: 

"General, \o\w note of to-dav from Phillips's house has just 
l)een received. I am rejoiced at }-our success. I thank \-ou 
and the officers and men of yoiu- command for the gallantry 
and determination with which the\- have assatflted Sheridan's 
forces and caused his exj^edition to end in defeat." 



220 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

General Sheridan, in his official report of this engagement, 
says : 

" On the morning of the nth, General Torbert, with his 
division and Colonel Gregg's Brigade of General Gregg's 
Division, attacked the enemy. After an obstinate contest, 
drove him from successive line's of breastworks, through an 
almost impenetrable forest, back on Trevillian's Station. In 
the mean time. General Custer was ordered with his brigade 
to proceed by a country road so as to reach the station in 
rear of the enemy's colunm. (3n his arrival at this point the 
eneni}- broke into a complete rout, leaving- his dead and nearly 
all his wounded in our hands: also, 20 officers,. 500 men, and 
300 horses." 

On the I2th he says: "I directed General Torbert to 
advance with his division and General Davies's Brigade of 
General Gregg's Division in the direction of Gordonsville and 
attack the enemy, who had concentrated and been reinforced 
by infantry during the night, and had also constructed rifle- 
pits at a point about five miles from Gordonsville. The ad- 
vance was made, but as the enemy's position was found too 
strong to assault, no ^ general attack was made. On the 
extreme right of our lines a portion of the Reserve Brigade 
carried the enemy's works twice, and was twice driven there- 
from by infantry. Night closed the contest. I regret my 
inability to carry out your instructions." 

" The cavalry engag^ement of the 12th was by far the most 
brilliant one of the present campaign. The enemy's loss was 
very heavy. They lost the following-named officers in killed 
and wounded: Colonel McAllister, conunanding regiment, 
killed; Brigadier-General Rosser, commanding brigade, 
wounded; Colonel Aiken, commanding regiment, wounded; 
Colonel Custer, commanding regiment, wounded. My loss in 
killed and wounded will be about 575. I captured and have 
now with me 370 prisoners of war, including 20 commissioned 
officers. My loss in captured will not exceed 160. These 




Frank J. Manning. 



222 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

were i)rincipally of tlie Fifth INIichigan Cavalrv. This regi- 
ment galhintly charged (U)\vn the Gordonsvihe roach captur- 
ing- 500 horses and 800 men, but was hnahy surronndech and 
had to give them up." 

General Torljert, in his (official report, savs ; 

" In approaching the station. General Custer found the 
enemy's led horses, trains and caissons retreating- rapidly in 
the direction of Gordonsville and Charlottesville, and he im- 
mediately ordered the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, Colonel Alger, 
to pursue, which the}- did in a very gallant manner, capturing 
about 1.500 horses, six caissons, and a number of v^agons. 
The regiment was soon divided into small parties, taking care 
of the captured proj^erty, and the enemy sent a still stronger 
force after them. They were obliged to relinquish their cap- 
tives, and get back the best way they could, and the greater 
part of this regiment came in. Then Colonel Alger, with a 
few men, gallantly cut their way through a column of the 
enemy to our lines that afternoon. General Custer reached 
the station about the time the enen-iy were driven in such a 
confused mass from the front of General Merritt and Colonel 
Davies, so the enemy in a disorganized mass passed through 
some intervals in his line, passing to his rear, carried oft' his 
pack trains, headquarters wagon, and five caissons." 

Pretty good icork fo-r a (lisorgani::cd mass. General Torbert 
reports his loss at 62 oi^cers and 1,186 men, yet Sheridan 
only reports his in his tw'O divisions at 1,007. 

Colonel Alger, of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, an ofticer 
very actively and prominently engaged in this fight, in his 
report gives a very graphic account of his part of the engage- 
ment. He says : 

" The regiment was immediately closed up, and, charging 
down the Gordons\'ille road, the enemy was found in force. 
After a desperate resistance for a moment, he was routed, 
and the fight became a running one, and was kept up for a 
distance of four miles. In this charge 800 prisoners, 1.500 



I->iill Run to Bull Run. 23^ 

horses, one staiul of colors, six caissons. 40 anilmlances, and 
50 army wagons were captured and men left guardino- them. 
Many prisoners broke their arms upon surrendering. In this 
charge I was accomi)anied 1)}' Captain Brewster, Conmiissary 
oi Subsistence, and Lieutenant Stranaham, Aide-de-Camp of 
General Custer's staff, the latter of whom was sent back with 
information for the General as soon as the enemy was routed. 
After charging about three miles, Captain Brewster was sent 
back to ask for support and soon returned to me. reporting 
the enemy in heavy force between us and the brigade; also, 
that they were attacking ni}- men who had been left guarding 
prisoners and horses. Mo\ing back rapidly, I catne upon the 
enemy in large force, who had come in ui:)on m\- right 
( Rosser's Brigade), attacked and and captured many of my 
men, and were engaging the brigade in front. I also dis- 
covered from the hring that the brigade was attacked in the 
rear and its left. Having but 40 men with Captains AlagofRn, 
Judson, Hastings, and Rolls, and Lieutenant Stafford, acting 
adjutant, and Lieutenant Lonsbury, I moved to my then right 
and entered a narmw strip of woods. Here the enemy were 
moving on each side of and very near us. A rebel officer 
seeing us, rode into the woods and asked, " What command 
do vou belong to?" Captain Judson answered, " Hampton's.' 
'All right.' was the reply, and he joined his column. We 
were, however, soon discovered and attacked, when we 
moved off in the direction of Louisa Courthouse, where we 
encountered a colunui of the enemy, which \vc charged 
through, leaving 28 men in the woods, cut off from us. Pass- 
ing near the Courthouse, we came into our hues, near the 
place where we encamped the night before, traveiline- a dis- 
tance of over twenty miles." 

In the afternoon of the first day's tight, General Rosser sent 
for Company B to charge a battery of the enemy that was 
enfilading our position, and. reporting to hun he led us 
through a strip of woods in front of our lines, and as we 
debouched into the open ground prei)aratory to the charge. 



224 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

General Rosser was wounded in the knee, and we were 
ordered back, much to our gratification, as the work ahead 
appeared to me a task of no easy accomphshment. In this 
engagement the forces were nearly equal, the enemy being 
somewhat the stronger. Sheridan had Torbert's and Gregg's 
divisions. Merritt's Brigade, and the Sixth United States 
Cavalry and Artillery, five brigades of cavalry — 25 regiments; 
while Hampton had two divisions, his own and Fitz Lee's, 
comprising 15 regiments, three legions, and one battalion, 
with artillery. We had no infantry, as Sheridan reports, and 
after two days' hard fighting Sheridan was repulsed, and 
forced to retreat, acknowledging in his report to General 
Grant his inability to carry out his instructions. 

On the morning of the 13th, our brigade moved in pursuit 
of Sheridan's retreating forces, taking along the route many 
prisoners, whose horses had become too feeble and jaded to 
keep pace with Sheridan's rapid march. The enemy finally 
found shelter under the gunboats at the White House, and 
Hampton moved near Charles City Courthouse, and took up 
position to await Sheridan's further movements. 

On the 24th, our pickets were driven in at St. Mary's 
Church, and the enemy advanced to Nance's Shop. Here the 
fight began and soon became general, our forces attacking 
in front and flank. The Twelfth Regiment was with our 
column in front. After driving the enemy slowly a consider- 
able distance, the Phillips and Jefi:'. Davis legions (mounted), 
with the Twelfth, were ordered to charge, which was accord- 
ingly done with much vigor, driving the enemy in confusion 
several miles, capturing many prisoners and horses. In this 
charge Colonel Massie, of our regiment, was wounded, and a 
spent ball struck me in the breast, imbedding itself in my 
llesh. I was wearing at the time in my shirt bosom a badge 
of the Union Philosophical Society of Dickinson College (of 
which I was a member for three years prior to the war), and 
which was formed of a Maltese cross, surmounted with a 
shield. The force of the bullet tore off the shield, leaving 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 22^ 

the cross in a distorted sha[)e. Imagination often plays havoc 
with the trnth. 1 thonght ni}' time had come, and felt day- 
light i)assing throngii me, the blood trickling down inter- 
nall}-. and I gasi)ing for breath. John Terrill, who was near 
me, seeing my pallor and eccentric actions, presumed I was 
wounded mortally, led my horse back over a little declivity, 
out of danger of flying missiles, and, pulling open my jacket 
and shirt, exultantly exclaimed, " Lieutenant, you are not 
nmch hurt, the ball hasn't gone in," and. taking hold of it 
with his hngers. he pulled it out and held it u|) to view, ^ly 
spirits revived immediately, blood ceased to trickle, internal 
daylight disappeared, 1 breathed freely, vigor and strength 
returned, and, gathering up my reins, I was soon back in the 
fight. The enemy was routed and pressed back to within a 
short distance of Charles City Courthouse, when night put an 
end to our pursuit. \\t captured 157 prisoners, including 
one colonel and i J other commissioned officers. The enemy's 
dead and wounded in considerable number fell into our hands. 
General Hampton, in his official report, says: 
" The next morning. June 24th, he drove in my picket at 
St. ^klarv's Church, and advanced beyond Nance's Shop. I 
determined to attack him. and to this end I ordered Brigadier- 
General Gary, who joined me that morning, to move from 
Salem Church around to Smith's Store, and to attack on the 
flank as soon as the attack in front commenced. General Lee 
left Lomax to hold the River road and brought Wickham to 
join in the attack. The necessary arrangements having been 
made. General Gary advanced from Smith's Store, and took 
position near Nance's Shop. The enemy had in the mean 
time thrown up strong works along his whole line, and hi; 
position was a strong one. 



As soon as Garv had engaged 



the enemy. Chambliss was thrown forward, and by a move- 
ment handsomely executed connected with him, and the 
two brigades were thrown on the flank of the enemy. At the 
same moment, the whole line, under the immediate command 
of :^Laj()r-General Fitzhugh Lee. charged the works of the 
15 



226 Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

enemy, who, after fighting" stubbornly for a short time, gave 
way, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. This ad- 
vance of our troops was made in the face of a ^'ery heavy fire 
of artillery and musketry, and it was most handsomely 
accomplished. As soon as the enemy gave way I brought 
up the Phillips and Jeft'. Davis legions (mounted), ordering 
them to charge. This they did most gallantly, driving the 
enemy for three miles in confusion. Robins's Battalion and 
the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry were mounted and participated 
in a part of this charge, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Massie, 
commanding the latter, was wounded while gallantly leading 
his men over the w^orks of the enemy. The enemy w'as com- 
pletely routed, and was pursued to within two and one-half 
miles of Charles. City Courthouse, the pursuit lasting till lo 
o'clock at night. My loss was six killed and 59 wounded in 
my own division.'' 

General Sheridan, in his report, says : 

•"At St. Mary's church, Gregg was attacked by the entire 
caA^alry corps of the enemy, and after a stubborn fight, which 
lasted until after dark, was forced to retire in some confusion, 
but without any loss in material. This very creditable engage- 
ment saved the train, which should never have l^een left for 
the cavalry to escort." 

General Gregg says : 

'' On the 23d the division, acting as escort to a large 
wagon-train belonging to the corps and other troops, crossed 
the Chickahominy at Jones Bridge. On the 24th. in com- 
pliance with orders of the Major-General commanding the 
corps, the Second Division moved from its camp to St. Mary's 
Church, and there took position. When within a mile of the 
church the advance of the Second Brigade found a small 
mounted force of the enemy. This was driven away and the 
lines of the division established. The batteries of the division 
were placed in commanding positions. During the morning 
and until after 3 P.M. there was irregular skirmishing at differ- 




Wm. S. Mason. 



228 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ent ])oints of onr line. A large force of the enemy was known 
to ha\e i^assed St. Mary's Church, moving- in the direction of 
Haxall's, on the evening before. Having received informa- 
tion from the Alajor-General commanding that circumstances 
compelled an alteration of the dispositions previously ordered 
of the troops under his command, this alteration placing the 
Second Division beyond any immediate support, every dis- 
position was made to resist an attack of the enemy should it 
be made. Between 3 and 4 P. M. the enemy made an attack 
in great force on the Second Brigade, occupying the right of 
our line. The attack there begun extended along the front 
of the First Brigade on the left. It was very soon evident 
that the force of the enemy was largely superior to ours, and 
that they were supported by infantry, but, nothing daunted 
by the display of strong lines of an over-confident enemy, our 
men fell upon them and held them in check. The strife was 
earnest now; there were no diseng-aged men on our side. 
Randal's and Dennison's Batteries pitched load after load of 
canister into the staggering lines of the enemy. After about 
two hours, in which this contest was so heroically maintained 
by our men, it liecame e^•ident that the contest was too un- 
ecpial to maintain longer. The led horses, the Avounded, for 
whom there was transportation, and caissons, were started on 
the road leading to Charles City Courthouse, eight miles 
distant. These fairly under way, the division began to retire 
by the right. Our men continued fighting on foot, but were 
mounted from time to time. The movement toward Charles 
City Courthouse was made in the best possible order, and 
without confusion or disorder. The enemy pressed hard on 
the rear of the conunancl, but without advantage. A final 
stand made by mounted regiments at Hopewell church on 
open ground determined the enemy to make no further 
advance. For want of sufficient ambulances, some of our 
wounded fell into the hands of the enemv. The division 
reached Charles City Courthouse about 8 P. M., and there 
encami)ed near the First Di\-ision. The aggregate loss of the 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 22^ 

division in tliis eni^-ai^-cment was 357 commissioned officers 
and enlisted men. killed, wounded, and missing." 

General Meade, in his re])orl of this affair, sa\'S : 

" Hanii)ton fell on Cjregg. handling him sex'erely, but he 
was finally dri\-en off. and the command reached the James." 

This engagement reflects much credit on General Gregg 
and but little on our commanders. Our forces largely out- 
numbered the enem}-, and with proper management ought to 
have taken the enem}''s artillery, routed his force and attacked 
his wagon-train, before an\- reinforcement could ha\'e reached 
him. I have always regarded this the best fight made by 
Gregg's Division, of which I had any personal experience and 
observation, during the war. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Our bugles sang truce, for the night cloud had lowered, 
And the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky, 

And thousands had sunk on the ground overpowered. 
The weary to sleep and the wounded to die. 

CamiibcU. 

After the fight at Charles City Courthouse, our division, 
under Hampton, crossed to the south side of the James on 
the pontoon bridge, passed through Petersburg, and on the 
evening of the 28th reached Sappony Church, about ten miles 
south of Reams Station, and prepared to resist the retin^n of 
Wilson's and Kautz's Divisions of Cavalry from their foray 
through Southern Virginia, crippling our railroads, and de- 
vastating the country. We had not long been in position be- 
fore we were aroused by the rattle of the carbines. Skirmish- 
ing was kept up until nearly daylight, when our dismounted 
men advanced, our regiment, in conjunction with other 
troops, charged, and the enemy were broken and scattered. 
I was ordered with our company to pursue a squad of some 
one hundred men who were retreating, but fighting as they 
retired. As the country was thickly wooded and oiu" com- 
pany mounted, the enemy had a decided advantage. Seizing 
a favoral)le opportunit}-, as the enemy entered an open wood, 
a charge was made and the greater portion of the squad cap- 
tured. In this charge my horse, Bonaparte, a n()l)le animal, 
my companion in many scenes of danger, was mortally 
wounded and died the next morning. Dear Bony ! How 
many sad memories cluster around you. You had borne my 
father, when he received his wound at McGaheysville. You 
were the companion of my brother until his life-blood was 
shed at Parker's Store, and now the fatal blow has fallen on 
you. If beyond this vale there are pleasant fields and never- 
failing streams for the faithful friend and companion of man, 
[230] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



231 



I feel assured, noble steed, thou art feedino- there. The lords 
of creation can bow to thee! All thy years were spent for 
others, and thy duty was discharged with fidelity and cheer- 
fulness. Mankind may imitate thee and desire no greater 
boon than to deserve the praise that is thy due. Mounting 
a flea-bitten grey, ca])tured from the enemy, the pursuit was 
continued, and many prisoners taken. After Wilson and 
Kautz retired from our front, they retreated rapidly in the 
direction of Reams Station, expecting to pass through our 
line at that point, but Mahone's Division of Infantry and 
Fitz Lee's Cavalry met them there, and after a short combat 
they abandoned artillery, wagons and ambulances, took to 
the woods, many during the night following making their 
way safely through our lines. In this engagement we cap- 
tured 1,000 prisoners, 16 guns and caissons, 50 wagons, and 
40 ambulances. 

General Hampton, in his ot^cial report of this battle, says: 
" The position of the enemy, who had two lines of works, 
was so strong that I could not attack it in front, so at day- 
light I threw portions of Butler's and Rosser's brigades, 
under the immediate direction of General Butler on the left 
flank of the enemy. At the same moment Chambliss advanced 
the whole front line, and in a few moments we were in pos- 
session of both lines of works, the enemy retreating in con- 
fusion and leaving their dead and wounded on the ground.'^ 

, General Lee reports : 

" In the various conflicts with the enemy's cavalry in their 
late expedition against the railroad, besides their killed and 
wounded left on the field, over 1,000 prisoners, 13 pieces of 
artillery, 30 wagons and ambulances, many small-arms, horses 
and ordnance stores, and several hundred negroes taken from 
the plantations on their route, were captured." 

General Wilson, in his official report, says: 
■' The loss sustained by the entire command was about 900 
men killed, wounded, and missing. Twelve field-guns, four 



27,2 Bull Run lo Bull Run. 

mountain Howitzers, and 30 wagons and ambulances were 
abandoned and fell into the enemy's hands." 

General Hampton places his loss at two killed, 18 wounded 
and two missing'. This fight virtually ended the cavalry cam- 
paign, for Sheridan was so crippled that he was unable to 
muster force sufficient to make a move of any importance, 
retired behind Grant's infantry, and went into innocuous 
desuetude. 

In his report, Sheridan says : 

" I think my casualties from May 5th to August ist will 
number between 5,000 and 6,000, and that the capture in 
prisoners will exceed 2,000." 

On July 3d, in reply to an inquiry from General Grant, he 
says : 

" General Wilson is here reorganizing his command. I 
shall commence at once to refit and put my command in con- 
dition. I wish all dismounted men of the cavalry corps now 
with the trains and otherwise connected with the army 
ordered to report to Major Beaumont at this point without 
delay. In reference to the condition of the command, I have 
to report it unfit for service at the present time." 



" General Gregg has 700 dismounted men here, and wants 
that number of cavalry horses at once. He has 900 dis- 
mounted men in Washington, and he would like to have 
them mounted and sent back. General Grant has sent orders 
to General Halleck on the subject. I have not heard from 
Kautz, but presume he will require 1,400; 300 have been 
received and issued to Kautz." 

General Hampton, in his report of July loth, says: 

" The pursuit of the enemy, which ended near Peter's 
Bridge, closed the active operations which began on the 8th 
of June, when the movement against Sheridan commenced. 




Jno. McCluer. 



2^4 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

During- that time (a period of twenty-two days) the com- 
mand liad no rest, was badiy suppHed with rations and forage, 
marclied npwards of 400 miles, fought the greater portion of 
six days and one entire night, captured upwards of 2,000 
prisoners, many guns, small-arms, wagons, horses and 
material of war, and was completely successful in defeating, 
two of the most formidable and well-organized expeditions 
of the enemy. This was accomplished at a cost in my division 
of 719 killed, wounded and missing, including 21 casualties 
in Chew's Battery (horse artillery), not mentioned in my pre- 
vious reports. These men have borne their privations with 
perfect cheerfulness; they have fought admirably, and I wish 
to express before closing my report not only my thanks to 
them for their good conduct, l)ut my pride at having the 
honor to command them.'' 

During the first part of August, Hampton's Division 
remained on the right of Lee's army and in the neighborhood 
of Reams Station. There was little movement of the enemy, 
and we were passive, except that now and then a midnight 
incursion was made into some farmer's patch of watermelons, 
a fruit which was grown extensively in this section, and of 
most delicious flavor. I recall one incident of this camp. 
Two rather juvenile members of Company B, messmates of 
mine — Frank, about fifteen, and Willie, about sixteen — went 
out one night on a foraging expedition, and returned about 2 
P. M. loaded down with a big watermelon, stu"reptitiously 
accjuired. I was awakened from sleep to partake of the 
luscious fruit, and was told of their thrilling venture with the 
guards, who had fired on them and chased them from the 
field, and how they had tenaciously held on to their prize. 
" Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when 
he is hungry." I was only a surface reader of Scripture, and 
thought this answered our case; so we gathered about our 
spoil in eager anticipation of a ro}'al feast, for a Johnnie's 
appetite, like death, has all seasons for its own. But what 
was our chagrin and disappointment, when we laid open our 



Bull k'liii to Hull Run. 2^5 

melon to find it so i^reen we conld not cat it. " Stolen waters 
are sweet." but on tliis occasion the words did not apply. 
These l)oys were not raised in a watermelon country, were 
ii;norant of the art of distinguishing- between a ripe and an 
unripe melon, and so their toil and trouble was thrown away, 
and we were forced to retire that night with whetted appetites 
unappeased. 

The division obtained here a much needed rest after its 
arduous campaign. On the morning of the 23d. silence was 
again broken. Gregg's and Kautz's divisions of cavalry 
advanced the enemy's line, took possession of Reams Station, 
and. ])ushing forward a cavalry force about two miles west of 
the station, encountered our brigade. A portion of the 
Twelfth Caxairy was dismounted and thrown forward in 
skirmish line. Company B, not carrying any long-range 
guns, generously offered to borrow* from other companies of 
the regiment and take their places in the skirmish hue, and I 
was assigned the charge of these men. 

Our force steadily advanced, driving the enemy before 
them, until an open field was reached, when a squadron of the 
enemy's cavalry charged through our skirmish line, but were 
soon repulsed and driven back by our reserve. As the enemy 
passed through our line. I struck one of their men over the 
head with my sal)er, l3Ut failed to do more than arouse his 
anger. Turning on me, he was in the act of trying his weapon 
upon me. when one of our men, perceiving my critical situa- 
tion, shot and killed him, nuich to my relief and gratification. 

After this little episode, our skirmish line was still further 
advanced, driving the enemy from an ele\ation a short dis- 
tance from Reams Station. At this point the enemy made a 
determined stand, and though the fight was contiiuied until 
dark, we failed to break their line. In this engagement. Frank 
Manning, then about fifteen years old. and possibly the 
} nungest member of Company R, was shot through the breast 
and carried off the field. Though young, slight, and delicate, 
he was a galiant soldier. The 28th was spent in skirmishing 



2^6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

with the enemy without resuh, as it had been reinforced 
with Hancock's corps of infantry and artillery. That night, 
General A. P. Hill came to our support with three brigades of 
his corps — Cook's and McRae's brigades of North Caro- 
linians, under General Heth. and General Lane's Brigade, 
with Pegram's Artiller}'. Arrangements were made at once 
to attack the enemy, and about 9 A. M. on the 25th, the ball 
was opened and the enemy forced back to their intrenchments 
at Reams Station, leaving their dead and wounded in our 
hands. General Hill now disposed his forces to assault the 
enemy's works at the station. The infantry was placed on 
our left, and the cavalry dismounted on the right, connecting 
with the infantry. Our artillery opened a vigorous fire on the 
breastworks, which was continued for about fifteen minutes 
and then ceased, and our whole line moved rapidly forward 
on the enemy's intrenchments. This was the most animated 
charge of footmen witnessed by me during the war, and 
was due, in ni}- judgment, in great measure to the rivalry 
existing between cavalry and infantr}-. Opportunity was 
here afforded of fairly testing the merits and valor of the 
respective arms of the ser\'ice in an equal field. Company 
B was armed alone with pistols and sabers, and these 
were \'alueless at long range. As soon, therefore, as the 
command was gi\-en, the rush for the intrenchments was 
made. The eneni}' fired one voile}' as we started, but 
before thev could reload, our line was oxqv the breast- 
works, and the enemy in rout and confusion. ]\Iany laid 
down in the trenches and surrendered. Pressing on, the 
enemy's artillery was soon in our possession, and the disor- 
ganization so complete, a rally seemed impossible. When 
the superior number of the enemy and their intrenched posi- 
tion is considered, this was one of the most brilliant victories 
of the war, and reflects great credit on Generals Hill and 
Hampton and the men under their command. The victory 
was decisive. Nine of the enemy's guns were captured and 
turned on the fleeing columns. ( )ur captures, as given by 



Bill! Run lo Hull Run. 2^1 

General Mill in his official rcporl. were: "Twelve stand of 
colors, nine pieces of artillery. 10 caissons, 2,150 prisoners, 
3.i(X) small-arms, t^i horses; my own loss (cavalry, artillery 
and infantry) being 720/' The Federal retnrn of casnalties 
in this engagement is 2,724. Xight pnt an end to onr pnrsnit, 
and the ca\alry bix'onacked on the battle-held. On the fol- 
lowing morning, 1 was directed with Company B to follow 
np the retreating colnmn of the enemy. In the pnrsuit a 
great many stragglers were taken. Abont two miles from 
the l)attle-field we encountered a strong force of the enemy, 
and in a skirmish with it, Ro1)ert Castleman was wounded in 
the shoulder. In the charge the evening before. Company 
B had onl}" one man wounded, John Coleman. General Hill, 
after the fight, returned with the infantry and Pegram's Artil- 
ler}- to his position in the lines around Petersburg, and our 
ca\alry remained in possession of the field and buried the 
dead of both sides. General Gregg had asked permission to 
enter our lines for that i)urpose, but the request \vas refused, 
with the information that our men were engaged in that duty. 

(General Meade, in a letter to General Hancock, Aer\- kindly 
tries to soothe his wounded spirits. He says: 

" I am satisfied you and }our command have done all in 
}our power, and though you have met with a reverse, the 
honor and escutcheons of the old Second are as bright as 
e\er, and will on some future occasion prove it is only where 
enormous odds are brought against them, they can be moved. 
Don't let this matter worr}- you. because you have gi^'en me 
everv satisfaction." 

\\ hen the numbers of the opposing forces are compared, 
the Federal superiority can readily be seen. General Hill had 
the brigades of Cooke, jMcRae. and Lane, Pegram's Artillery, 
and the cavalry divisions of Hampton and Barringer. num- 
bering about 8.000 men, while General Hancock had the 
Second Corps, IMiles's and Gibbons's divisions (50 regiments), 
with Wilcox's Division in reserve, and Gregg's and Kautz's 



2^8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

divisions of cavalry, a force fully double that of Hill, with the 
advantage of position and breastworks. General Meade says 
Hancock had 16,000 to 20,000 men. General Hancock does 
not say he was outnuml)ered, but places the blame of his 
defeat upon the bad conduct of his troops. After Miles's 
Division was thrown into disorder, Hancock says in his 
report : " I immediately ordered General Gibbons's Division 
forward to retake the position and guns, but the order was 
resjjonded to very feebly by his troops, the men falling- back 
to their breastworks on receiving a slight tire from the 
enemy," and concludes his report by saying: " Had my troops 
behaved as well as heretofore, I would have been able to 
defeat the enemy on this occasion. A force sent down the 
railroad to attack the enemy in flank would have accom- 
plished the same end, or a smah reserve in the field about 6 
P. M. I attribute the bad conduct of my troops to their great 
fatigue, owing to the heavy labor exacted of them, and to 
their enormous losses during the campaign, especially in ofti- 
cers. The lack of the corps in this respect is painfully great, 
and hardly to be remedied during active operations. The 
Seventh, Fifty-second, and Thirty-ninth New York are 
largely made up of recruits and substitutes. The first-named 
regiment in particular is entirely new, companies being- 
formed in New York and sent down here, some officers being- 
unable to speak English. The material compares very un- 
favorably w^ith the veterans absent." 

General Miles, commanding the First Division of the 
Second Corps, in his report, says : 

"At 5 P. M. the enemy drove in the skirmishers of the con- 
solidated brigade, wdio made feeble resistance; debouched 
from the w-ood in front of that and the Fourth Brigade, ad- 
vancing through the slashings, which was thirty yards wide. 
At first he was met by a sharp fire from these brigades, part 
of the First Brigade, which fired to the left oblique, and the 
Fourth New York Artillery to the right oblique. Although 




Charles Broadway Rouss. 



240 Bull Rii:i to B'ull Run. 

he pushed forward with determination, he was repulsed at 
several points, and his organization greatly broken up bv the 
severity of the tire and the obstacles in his front; but, unfor- 
tunately, just as his entire repulse seemed certain, a portion 
of the consolidated brigade, consisting of the Seventh, Fifty- 
second, and Thirty-ninth New York regiments, broke and 
fell into confusion. At the same time a break occurred in the 
right of the same brigade — the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fifth and the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York 
regiments. I stood at the time on the banks of the railroad 
cut and saw a rebel color-bearer spring over our works and 
down into the cut almost at my feet. But few' of the enemy 
had reached the work, and a determined resistance of five 
minutes would have given us the victory. I looked for Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Rugg, but not at the moment seeing him, I 
directed his brigade to rush into the gap and commence 
firing. Not a minute's time was lost before giving this 
order, but instead of executing it, they either lay on their 
faces or got up and ran to the rear. I then rode down the 
line of the Fourth Brigade, ordering it to move toward the 
right and hold the rifle-pit. These troops were then fighting 
gallantly, their brigade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Broady, being- conspicuous, encouraging and directing the 
men. Finding- the enemy had gained the angle and flanked 
my line, I rode to the Twelfth New York Battery, and 
directed Lieutenant Dandy to fire canister at that point, which 
he did with great effect, working his guns gallantly until 
the enemy was upon him. His horses were killed, and it was 
impossible to limber up and draw oft' his guns on the breaking 
of the line. The enemy pushed forward, and, taking posses- 
sion of them, turned one of them and opened fire with it upon 
our troops. The One Hundred and Fifty-second New York 
Regiment, Captain Bent commanding, when the assault was 
made, was directed to attack the enemy in flank and rear. 
The regiment had changed front, was moved up to within two 
hundred yards, and directed to open fire. Captain Martin, 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 241 

division inspector, a very cool and reliable officer, reports that 
not a shot was fired at it, but the men broke from the ranks 
and fled in a disgraceful manner, only two men in the regi- 
ment discharging their pieces. The panic had become some- 
what general, and it was with the greatest difficulty that my 
line could be formed." 

General Gibbons, commanding the Second Division of 
Hancock's Corps, in his official report, says : 

"About 5 P. M., the enemy having placed his batteries, 
opened a heavy fire, most of which took my part of the line 
in reverse. Soon afterwards he made his assault on General 
Miies's line, from which a portion of the First Brigade had 
been withdrawn to strengthen mine, under the impression 
that an attack was to be made there. The enemy broke 
through General Miies's line, and, pushing forward his troops, 
appeared to be for a time carrying everything before him. 
His fire taking my line in reverse, I shifted my men to the 
opposite side of the parapets to resist his farther advance, but 
there was checked by the steadiness of a portion of IMiles's 
Division, and my division was then ordered forward by Gen- 
eral Hancock to attack the enemy and retake the breastworks. 
In the attempt to obey this order, that portion of the division 
with me did not sustain its previous reputation, and demoral- 
ized, partly by the shelling and musketry firing in its rear, 
and partly by the refugees from other parts of the line, retired 
after a very feeble effort 'and under a very slight fire in great 
confusion, and every effort of myself and staff failing to arrest 
the rout until the breastwork was reached. Soon after this, 
the enemy attacked my line, the men again shifting to the 
inside of the parapet. Besides the fire from the front, which, 
however, was very feeble, they were subjected to a heavy 
artillery and musketry fire from the right flank, when the 
enemy turned our own guns upon us. The men soon gave 
way in great confusion, and gave up the breastworks almost 
without resistance, and were partially rallied in the woods 
behind the right wing. The result of this action was a source 



242 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

of great mortification to me, as I am confident but for the 
bad conduct of my division the battle would have terminated 
in our favor, even after the enemy had broken through 
General Miles's line." 

General Lee, in his report to the Secretary of War, says : 

" General A. P. Hill attacked the enemy in his intrench- 
ments at Reams Station yesterday evening, and at the second 
assault carried his entire line. Cooke's and McRae's North 
Carolina brigades, under General Heth, and Lane's North 
Carolina Brigade of Wilcox's Division, under General Con- 
ner, with Pegram's Artillery, composed the assaulting 
column. One line of breastworks was carried by the cavalry 
under General Hampton with great gallantry, who con- 
tributed largely to the success of the day. The loss of the 
enemy in killed and wounded is reported to be heavy, ours 
relatively small. Our profound gratitude is due to the Giver 
of all Victory, and our thanks to the brave men and ofificers 
engaged." 

And General Lee, in his letter to General Hampton, of 
date August 26, 1864, says: 

" I am very much gratified with the success of yesterday's 
operations. The conduct of the cavalry is worthy of all 
praise." 

On August 26, 1864, General Meade reports to General 
Grant : 

'* Hancock's troops were withdrawn without molestation, 
or being followed. He is now near the Williams house. He 
reports his command at present unserviceable. A report from 
General Gregg, on Warren's left and Hancock's lear, reports 
the enemy pressing his pickets a little this morning, with a 
view, he thinks, of picking up stragglers." 

General Hancock, in his report to General Grant on 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. 



MS 



August 26. 1864, at 10 P. M., after giving an account of his 
re]5ulse and his loss, says: 

It is acknowledged to have been one of the most deter- 
mined and desperate fights of the war, resembling Spotsyl- 
vania in its character, though tlie number engaged gives it 
less importance." 

Our brigade remained quiet after the Reams Station fight 
until September 14th, when it received orders to move down 
to Wilkinson Bridge, where General Hampton, with his own 
and General W. H. F. Lee's divisions, encamped for the 
night. The command resumed its march on the 15th, and 
reached Cooke's Bridge, on the Blackwater, where horses 
were fed, and we rested until the bridge, which had been de- 
stroyed, was repaired. Just after midnight we moved off, 
our brigade separating from the rest of the command, follow- 
ing byroads in the direction of Sycamore Church, where the 
enemy was encountered about 5 A. M., behind barricades and 
armed with the Winchester repeating rifie. Company B had 
the front. A charge of the Twelfth Virginia was ordered, 
and gallantly executed. The enemy fought stubbornly for 
a short time, but finally broke and fled in confusion, leaving 
his dead and w'ounded on the field and his camp in our hands. 

Having routed the enemy, our brigade pressed on to its 
cattle corral near by and captured the whole herd of beef 
cattle, numbering 2,486. This, the object of our expedition, 
being accomplished, and our litle force being far in General 
Grant's rear, we began our retreat, driving before us this 
immense herd. In our brigade were quite a number of cow- 
boys, not of the Texas or Western sort, but real Virginia cow- 
boys, who knew the habits and dispositions of cattle, and 
these managed this large drove with skill and dexterity. The 
rest of our forces under General Hampton soon united with 
us, and the Blackwater was safel}' reached and disposition 
made to protect our rear and save our rich booty. At 
Ebenezer, the enemy's cavalry made an attack on our brigade, 



244 ^"11 ^''" f" ^"11 I"^")'- 

which was soon repulsed. While we were fighting, the cattle 
and other booty was hurried towards our lines, which they 
reached in safety, and our command, after several skirmishes, 
followed and returned to its camp. 

On this expedition our cavalry captured, besides the 2,486 
beef cattle, 304 prisoners, a large number of horses, arms and 
equipments, and two wagons, and brought them in safety 
to our lines. Three camps of the enemy were burned and 
valuable stores and blankets secured. Our loss was 10 killed, 
47 wounded and four missing. In the fight at Sycamore 
Church, Company B lost Richard Timberlake, a g'allant 
soldier from Warren county, killed, and Isaac Strider, from 
Jefiferson, slightly wounded. A laughable story is told in 
connection with Stridor's wound. After the enemy was 
routed at the church and the boys had plundered the camp, 
John Terrill, in riding over the field, found Ike lying on the 
ground apparently in the agonies of death, and, quickly dis- 
mounting, raised his head and offered him a drink from a 
canteen of whiskey he had captured, thinking it would possi- 
bly revive him. But Ike, with a groan, pushed away the 
canteen, saying in tones scarcely audible, " John, I am too 
far gone for that." Just then John Howell rode up, and, see- 
ing Ike in a prostrate condition, also dismounted, and after 
a little parley, began to examine the nature and extent of the 
wound, when to his surprise and great gratification, he dis- 
covered the ball just buried in Ike's breast. In joyful elation 
he exclaimed, " Ike, you are not much hurt; I can see the 
ball sticking in your breast," and instantly pulled it out. Ike 
immediately revived, and seeing John Terrill, wdio was riding 
off, yelled after him, " Oh, John, come back here with that 
canteen." Terrill responded quickly, delighted to find his 
friend, who was dead, alive again. Ike took a copious 
draught, mounted his horse, and was soon back in ranks. 

Colonel Gates, in his report of this affair to General Patrick, 
says : 

" Major Van Renssalaer has returned with his command. 




Tho. D. Ranson. 



246 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

The attack on the cattle-gnard was made at dayhght, and 
was a complete surprise. Sojiie 300 of the District of Colum- 
bia Cavalry were captured, most of them in their beds. 
Major Baker was wounded and captured. Another major 
of the same regiment was also captured, and most of the 
officers of the regiment; four herdsmen killed." 

And General Kautz reports to General Grant : 

" Mr. Rollins informs me that Major Belcher stopped at 
his house, and said that their force was 14,000 strong; that 
the\' had cavalry and infantry; that they captured 2,460 head 
of cattle, and that the First District of Columbia Cavalry had 
escaped in the direction of Fort Powhatan.'' 

The Captain and Commissary of Subsistence, in the 
anguish of his soul at the loss of his beef, sends the following 
report to headquarters : " The enemy g-ot off with the whole 
herd at Coggins Point — 2.486 head; none have been recap- 
tured." 

After this raid, the Army of Northern \^irginia had a thirty 
days' change of diet from hard-tack and mess-pork to hard- 
tack and juicy beefsteak, and tenderloin at that — a change 
much relished and enjoyed. 

Generals Lee and Hampton having partaken of one of 
Generals Grant's and Meade's porterhouses. General Hamp- 
ton, in the exultation of the moment, issued the following 
address : 

general orders no. ii. 

Headquarters Cavalry Corps, 

Army Northern Virginia, 

Septemper 18, 1864. 
The Major-General commanding takes pride in communi- 
cating to his command the praise which their recent achieve- 
ment has won from the Commanding General, who, in 
acknowledging his report of the successful return of his 
command from the rear of the enemy's army, says : 

" You will please convey to the officers and men of your 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



247 



command my thanks for the courai^e and energy with which 
they executed your orders, by which they have added another 
to the list of important services rendered by the cavalry 
during the present campaign." 

To such praise the Major-General commanding would 
only add the expression of his own appreciation of the gal- 
lantry of his officers and men, whose conduct in battle is all 
he could desire, and inspires him with pride and perfect confi- 
dence in such a command. 

By command of Major-General W'ade Hampton. 

H. B. McClellan, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Integer vitae scelerisque purus 
Non eget Nauris jaculis, neque arcu, 
Nee venenatis gravida sagittis, 
Fusee, pharetra. 

Horace. 

Our brigade remained in the neig-hborhood of Reams 
Station until the latter part of September, when it received 
orders to move to the Shenandoah Valley to reinforce Gen- 
eral Early, who had fallen ba'ck, after the battles of Win- 
chester and Fisher's Hill, to the vicinity of Staunton. On the 
27th, we bade farewell to the " Virginia Lowlands," marched 
through Burkeville and Lynchburg, where we crossed the 
James, and ascended that stream on the line of the. canal until 
Lexington was reached, when the route to Staunton was 
taken. Passing through that city on the 5th of October, we 
joined the remnants of Early's army, and went into camp 
near Bridgewater. On the 6th, General M-eigs's son was killed 
by a scout of our cavalry near Dayton, and Sheridan, in 
revenge, ordered the Fifth New York Cavalry to burn all the 
houses in the vicinity of that town. 

Li the report of General Sheridan, dated Woodstock, Va.. 
October 7, 1864, is found the following: 

" In moving back to this point the whole country from the 
Blue Ridge to the North Mountains has been made untenable 
for a rebel army. I have destroyed over 2,000 barns, filled 
with wheat, hay and farming implements; over seventy mills 
filled with flour and wheat; have driven in front of the army 
over 4,000 head of stock, and have killed and issued to the 
troops not less than 3,000 sheep. This destruction embraces 
the Luray \'alley and Little Fort V^alley as well as the main 
valley. A large number of horses have been obtained, a 
[ 248 ] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 24Q 

proper estimate of which I cannot now make. Lieutenant 
J. R. Meigs, my engineer officer, was murdered beyond Har- 
risonljurg, near Dayton. For this atrocious act, all the houses 
within an area of five miles were burned." 

The Goths and Vandals never boasted of such infamy. 
Lieutenant Meigs was out with a scouting party of Federal 
cavalry, which was met by a scouting party of Confederate 
cavalry, and in a (air, square fight, was killed. This Sheridan 
calls murder, and revenges it by destroying the houses of 
helpless women and children and non-combatants. 

On the 6th, our brigade ascertained that Sheridan was 
retreating down the Valley, burning as he retired. We started 
in pursuit on the back road. When nearing Brock's Gap, 
some Federal soldiers caught in the act of burning a mill were 
shot. On the 7th, we moved rapidly after the retreating enemy, 
and in the afternoon found them posted at the fords on Mill 
Creek. The Seventh Cavalry and Wliite's Battalion crossed 
above the fords and attacked on the flank in a gallant manner, 
while the Eleventh and Twelfth Cavalry attacked in front, 
utterly routing them and capturing a large number of pris- 
oners, wagons, forges, cattle and sheep. After pursuing the 
enemy several miles we found a considerable force posted 
behind rail-piles, at the edge of a woods, prepared to oppose 
our further progress. The Twelfth was ordered to charge, 
and, led by our gallant Lieutenant-Colonel, Massie, who was 
that evening in especially fine fighting trim, we rode over the 
breastworks, breaking their line and renewing their rout. 
After this engagement our commissary department called on 
Company B for a detail of two men to take charge of the 
captured sheep. As our Comrades Mote and Ike were 
farmers, and supposed to be learned in sheep husbandry, they 
were selected for this purpose, and accordingly reported for 
duty. 

There were about 1,000 sheep in this drove, and as Sheri- 
dan had only left a blackened waste behind him, and neither 
pasture nor feed could be obtained along his pathway, it was 



2^0 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

deemed advisable by these shepherds to lead their flocks 
westward. On their way, they fell on Orkney Spring-s, and 
as the surroundings looked inviting for both man and beast, 
they concluded to lodge there. They soon ascertained that 
sheep was a better circulating medium in these parts than 
Confederate money, and they were not long in striking a bar- 
gain with the proprietor for two sheep a day in payment for 
board for themselves, horses, and sheep. In this quiet retreat 
and comfortable quarters the din of battle and clash of arms 
were forgotten, and if our forces had not met with a reverse, 
and the flock had not become exhausted, these tender shep- 
herds might have spent the remainder of the war in this 
happy retreat. But the battle of Cedar Creek rendered 
rations exceedingly scarce among our troops, and the cap- 
tured sheep were brought to remembrance, and diligent 
search made for their place of abode. After several days, the 
remnant with the shepherds were found safely quartered at 
this mountain resort, the sheep turned over to the commis- 
sary and the hungry soldiers, and Mote and Ike ordered back 
to Company B, where they regaled their comrades with their 
accounts of their pleasant outing. 

Colonel Purington, commanding the First Brigade of the 
Third Division of Cavalry Corps, in his report of the engage- 
ment of the /th, says: 

" The Second Brig-ade in the rear was attacked and com- 
pelled to fall back, losing all the cattle and some of the forges 
of the brigade. Part of the First Brigade were deployed, 
checking the enemy," and on the 8th he says: "The Eigh- 
teenth CaA^alry, as rear-guard, was attacked and compelled 
to fall back on the brigade, losing some killed and a few 
wounded." 

Early on the morning of the 9th, Sheridan's Cavalry, in 
full force, recrossed Tom's Brook, attacked our cavalry 
division, then under command of General Rosser, and after 
a spirited fight, routed Wickham's Brigade on the back road 




B. B. Ranson, M. D. 



2^2 Bull Run to Bull Ruu. 

and Lomax on the turnpike, driving- them in confusion and 
capturing our artillery on these roads. That morning our 
brigade was occupying a position about midway between 
these two roads. Colonel Dulaney, commanding the brigade, 
ordered our regiment in line in front of a piece of woodland, 
in which w'e had encamped during the night. In a few 
moments the enemy appeared in our front in considerable 
force, and began a rapid fire on our column. Colonel 
Dulaney, as brave as Julius Cjesar and as punctilious in 
obedience to orders as the boy that stood on the burning 
deck, declined to attack, and we were left at the mercy of the 
enemy's fire, with little ability to return it. Company B 
possessed no weapons but pistols and sabers, and clamored 
to go forward, but the Colonel peremptorily declined. Find- 
ing that our lives would be sacrificed without injury to the 
enemy, I disobeyed orders and led a charg-e of Company 
B on the enemy in our front, breaking its fine and throw- 
ing them into confusion. But our number (not over 21 men) 
was too small to hold the advantage we had gained, and we 
were forced to retire on our regiment. In this charge Ike 
Anderson, a g^allant member of the company, was shot 
through the lungs and carried oft' the field. 

We had just rejoined our regiment, which had been some- 
what relieved by our charge, when our men oh the back road 
were discovered rapidly retreating, the enemy pursuing and 
completely turning our left flank. The order to retire was 
given, and our brigade, now^ under Colonel Funsten, Colonel 
Dulaney having been wounded, moved slowly back, repulsing 
several attempts of the enemy to break our line. Coming 
in view of the turnpike, we discovered Lomax in rapid retreat 
on that road. With a good leader, our brigade might have 
saved our artillery on the back road by a well-directed charge 
on the rear and flank of the enemy. As it was, we were forced 
back by the enemy's advance on the turnpike and back road, 
while but feebly pressed ourselves. 

Lieutenant Washine'ton and mvself were with our rear- 



/)';/// Run to Hull Run. ^5J 

guard, skirmishing- with I lie enemy's ach-ance. and in one of 
their onsets my horse was wounded in the leg. The loss in 
our conunand that day was severe in artillery and prisoners, 
but our muubers were largely inferior to the enemy; the 
enemy ha\ing- Custer's, Merritt's, and Powell's divisions 
against Rosser's (Fitz Lee's) and Lomax's divisions — 10,000 
men against less than 4.000. 

(icneral Earl}-, in his report to General Lee, says: 
" Rosser, in conmiand of his own brigade and the two 
brigades of Fitz Lee's Division, and Lomax, with two 
brigades of his own ca\-alry. were ordered to pursue the 
enemy, to harass him and ascertain his purposes, while I re- 
mained here, so as to be ready to move east of tlie Ridge, if 
necessary, and I am sorry to inform you that the enemy, 
having concentrated his whole cavalry in his rear, attacked 
them and dro\-e them back this morning from near Fisher's 
Hill, capturing- nine pieces of horse artillery and eight or ten 
wagons. Their loss in men is, I understand, slight. I have 
not heard definitely from Rosser, but he is, I understand, 
failing l)ack in good order, having rallied his command, which 
is on w hat is called the back road, which is west of the turn- 
pike; but Lomax's command, which was on the turnpike, 
came back to this place in confusion. This is very distressing 
to me, and God knows 1 have done all in my power to avert 
the disasters which have befallen this command; but the fact 
is that the enemy's cavalry is so much superior to ours, both 
in numbers and equipments, and the country is so favorable to 
the operations of cavalry, that it is impossible for ours to 
compete with his. Lomax's cavalry are armed entirely with 
rilles. and ha\e no sabers, and the consequence is, that they 
cannt)t fight on horseback, and in this open country they 
cannot successfully tight on foot against large bodies of 
cavalry; besides, the command is and has been demoralized 
all the time. It would be better if they could be put into 
infantry; but if that were tried I am afraid they would all 
run ofif." 



254 B"^l ^^'"f /" ^"11 J^""- 

In 1863, Lomax was going to have some of Company B 
shot for a Httle tiank to their homes. It seems, according 
to General Early's views, there were some others now much 
more deserving of that fate : 

General Sheridan, in his report to General Grant, says : 

" On coming back to this point (Strasburg) I was not 
followed in until iate yesterday, when a large force of cavalry 
appeared in my rear. I then halted the command to offer 
battle by attacking the enemy. I became satisfied that it was 
only all the rebel cavalry of the Valley commanded by Rosser 
and directed Torbert to attack at daylight this morning and 
finish this scwior of flic J\illcy. The attack was handsomely 
made. Custer, commanding the Third Cavalry Division, 
charged on the back road, and Merritt, commanding the First 
Cavalry Division on the Strasburg turnpike. Merritt cap- 
tured five pieces of artillery, Custer captured six of artillery, 
with caissons, battery forge, etc. The two divisions captured 
;^y wagons, ambulances, etc. Among the wagons captured 
are the headquarters wagons of Rosser, Lomax, and Wick- 
ham, and Colonel Munford. The number of prisoners cap- 
tured will be about 330. I deemed it best to make this delay 
of one day here and settle this new cavalry general." 

As laid down in the old couplet : 

" He who fights and runs away, 
Will live to fight another day." 

In a few days our cavalry rallied from its discomfiture and 
were again ready for action. On the 12th, our march down 
the Valiey was resumed, and on the 13th we reached Stras- 
burg, the enemy having retired north of Cedar Creek. On 
the night of the i6th a novel raid was made by our brigade 
taking Grimes's infantry brigade behind them to the rear of 
the enemy's right, with the intention of surprising Custer's 
camp near Petticoat Gap, but the expedition failed, as Cus- 
ter's camp had that day been moved, but we captured a picket 
of 50 men and returned to camp with our infantry comrades 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. 25^ 

considerable worsted Ijy the wear and tear of the nii(hiight 
jaunt. 

On the morning- of the 19th, at 5 o'clock, our brigade 
nlo^■ed into position on the back road and the Cedar-Creek 
battle was opened. As day broke, Gordon's guns were heard 
on our right, soon followed by musketry, and in a short time 
the enemy could be seen in rapid flight. Our brigade crossed 
Cedar Creek and pressed back the enemy's right wing, and 
victory seemed assured for our arms. But about 6 P. M. our 
brigade moved back to the south side of Cedar Creek and 
the first squadron of the Twelfth Cavalry, under my charge, 
was left to guard and hold the ford. After skirmishing with 
the enemy until after dark, our horses were fed and the men 
laid down to rest, perfectly oblivious of the rout of our infan- 
try and its retreat up the Valley. That night, as I was rest- 
ing my head on Tom Timberlake's knee, his pistol feh out 
of the holster and the hammer striking a rail on which he 
was sitting, was discharged, the ball striking Timberlake's 
breast, inflicting a serious wound, and he fell forward on me. 
His wound was dressed, and he was sent to the rear. The 
rising sun found us safe and sound on our post, with the 
enemy just across the creek. Between 8 and 9 A. AI. some 
of our infantry came straggling into our camp, and from them 
we learned that General Early, late in the evening before, 
was defeated, and was in rapid retreat up the Valley, Sheridan 
pursuing. It was hard to realize the truth of this statement, 
as visions of an advance on the enemy, of getting to our 
homes in the lower Valley and meeting with relatives and 
friends, had so possessed our minds during the night that 
the truth of itself could scarcely eradicate them. But being 
unwillingly persuaded of the turn of fortune, without orders 
from our superior officers, who in the excitement of the occa- 
sion had abandoned us to our fate, our pickets were quietly 
withdrawn; the squadron mounted and retired up the back 
road until opposite Woodstock, wdiere it moved to the turn- 
pike, and found our brigade covering Early's rear. Why the 



■ 2^6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

enemy did not close in and capture our squadron has always 
been a mystery. I suppose in their great joy at turning our 
morning victory into evening defeat, such small game was 
overlooked. Probably in no other engagement during the 
war was there such a complete turn in the tide of victory. 
The victory of our troops in the morning seemed decisive, 
and the rout of the enemy complete, but failure to follow up 
the advantage so as to prevent a rally gave the enemy an 
opportunity to reorganize; and to the fortunate return of 
their commander, inspiring them with confidence, at a time 
when our forces were scattered and bent on plunder rather 
than duty, the disaster can be safely ascribed. 

General Early, in his report to General Lee, says : 
" The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps have not left the Valley. 
I foug'ht them both yesterday. I attacked Sheridan's camp 
on Cedar Creek before day yesterday morning and surprised 
and routed the Eighth and Nineteenth Corps, and then drove 
the Sixth Corps beyond Middletown, capturing i8 pieces of 
artillery and 1,300 prisoners; but the enemy subsequently 
made a stand on the turnpike, and in turn attacked my line, 
and my left gave way, and the rest of the troops took a panic 
and could not be rallied, retreating in confusion. But for 
their bad conduct, I should have defeated Sheridan's whole 
force. On the. retreat back to Fisher's Hill the enemy cap- 
tured about 30 pieces of artillery and some wagons and 
ambulances. The prisoners (1,300) were brought ofif. My 
losses in men were not heavy. General Ramseur was seriously 
wounded while acting with gallantry, and was captured by the 
enemy." 

On the following day. General Early reports that his net 
loss in artillery was 23 pieces, and killed and wounded less 
than 1,000. 

General Sheridan, in his report, says: 

" I have the honor to report that my army at Cedar Creek 
was attacked this morning before daylight, and my left was 




Thomas Redman. 



2^8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

turned and driven in confusion; in fact, most of the line was 
driven in confusion, with the loss of 20 pieces of artillery. I 
hastened from Winchester, where I was on my return from 
Washington, and joined the army between Middletown and 
Newtown, having been driven back about four miles. I here 
took the affair in hand and quickly united the corps, and 
formed a compact line of battle just in time to repulse an 
attack of the enemy, which was handsomely done about i P. 
M. At 3 P. M., after some changes of the cavalry from the 
left to the right flank, I attacked with great vigor, driving and 
routing the enemy, capturing, according to reports, 43 pieces 
of artillery and very many prisoners. I do not know the 
number of my casualties or the losses of the enemy; wagon- 
trains, ambulances, and caissons in large numbers are in our 
possession. They also burned some of their trains. General 
Ramseur is a prisoner in our hands, severely and perhaps 
mortally wounded. I have to regret the loss of General Bid- 
well, killed, and Generals Wright, Groon, and Ricketts, 
wounded; Wright slightly wounded. AfTairs at times looked 
badly, but by the g-allantry of our brave officers and men 
disaster has 'been converted into a splendid victory." 

Of the 43 pieces of artillery claimed as captured, 20 of them 
were his own, making our loss 23. Our killed and wounded 
were less than his, and the prisoners 1,300, while our loss in 
prisoners was less than i ,000. 

When the numbers engaged on the respective sides are 
compared, the result cannot be considered a disaster, and if 
the victory of the morning could have been maintained, it 
would have been one of the most brilliant of the war : 

From the returns of Sheridan's army for the month of 
October we find present for duty as follows : 

Sixth Army Corps (Wright) 15,695 

Eighth Army Corps (Crook) 24,934 

Nineteenth Army Corps (Emory) 11,387 

Cavalry Corps (Torbert) 9,704 

Total 61,720 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



259 



Early's army, as reported October 9, 1864, is as follows: 

Infantry and artillery 6,000 

Kershaw's Division, added after that date 4.000 

-Cavalry Corps (Rosser and Lomax) 4,000 

Total 14,000 

^^'ith stich odds against him, this defeat will not detract 
from the fame of General Early as a leader and fighter, nor 
add luster to the fame of Sheridan's army, though, personally. 
General Sheridan deserves great praise for having wrested 
victory from defeat, rout, and confusion. 

After this battle, Sheridan moved back to the vicinity of 
^^'inchester, our lines were advanced to Strasburg, and both 
armies remained comparatively quiet until the nth of 
November, when our brigade moved back of Middletown, 
where it encountered Custer's Division of Cavalry, and after 
a hot contest fell back to Cedar Creek, capturing in the fight 
some prisoners. 

In this skirmish Company B lost Phil Terrill, killed; a 
soldier not only brave and courageous, but possessing many 
manly and social qualities. 

The Valley campaign was now virtually ended. From the 
time Sheridan took command, on the part of the enemy, the 
war assumed entirely a new phase. Prior to this, the war had 
been conducted on civilized principles, but now robbery, 
arson, and desolation marked its pathway. Sheridan boasted 
that he had burnt between Harrisonburg and Winchester 
barns, houses, mills, grain, hay, stores by the thousands, and 
driven ofT cattle, hogs and sheep by the tens of thousands. 
The character of his warfare may be seen by an order of 
November 7, 1864: 

Brigadier-General Stevenson : 

In case the railroad to Winchester is interferred with by 
guerillas, I want you to arrest all male secessionists in Charles- 
town, Shepherdstown, Smithfield, and Berryville, and in the 
adjacent country, sending them to Fort McHenry, Md. You 



26o Bull Run to Bull Run. 

will also burn all grain,. destroy all subsistence, and drive off 
all stock belonging to such individuals, and turn it over to 
the treasury agent. 

This order must be obeyed by you. P. H. Sheridan, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Could Weyler surpass this? Reconcentradoes were not as 
inhumanly treated. For fear General Stevenson was possessed 
of the quality of mercy and kindness, he endeavored to stifle 
such emotions with the demand more becoming a South 
African potentate than an American citizen, " This order must 
be obeyed." 

He boasts that he had destroyed the Valley for ninety-two 
miles, and left in it little for man or beast. In his report of 
October 27th, after informing General Halleck of various 
movements he was making, he says : 

" These, with other demonstrations which I will make, will 
secure Augur against all but Mosby and the numerous rob- 
bers that now infest the country, and which one good regi- 
ment could clear any time, if the regimental commander had 
spunk enough to try it. There is a regiment of cavalry at 
Harper's Ferry, one at Martinsburg, and one at Winchester, 
which is a sufficient force to keep the lower Valley clear, but 
they do not do it. Brigadier-General Duffie was captured 
between Winchester and Martinsburg. I respectfully request 
his dismissal from service. I think him a trifling man and a 
poor soldier. He was captured by his own stupidity." 

Poor old Duffie ! A short time before he had issued his 
order that all of Mosby's men captured should be hung, and 
now that he was a prisoner among Mosby's men, his discom- 
fiture was great; especially when he was brought before 
Colonel Mosby, with a copy of his order. Mosby soon saw 
that his punishment already suffered was greater than death, 
and kindly sent him off to Richmond, but not until he had 
given a number of Mosby's men certificates to the effect that 
he had been treated with great civility, and wished if they 
should be captured, that they should be treated with kindness 
and consideration. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Over the river they beckon to me, 
Loved ones who've crossed to the farther side; 

The gleam of their snowy robes I see, 
But their voices are lost in the dashing tide, 

We only l^now that their barlvS no more 

May sail with us o'er life's stormy sea. 
Yet somewhere, I know, on the unseen shore 

They watch, and beckon and wait for me. 

Priest. 

About the middle of November, General Rosser sent me 
with a detail of six men from Company B to ascertain the 
situation and number of Federal troops in the loAver Valley. 
After obtaining this information, I concluded that I would 
not return empty-handed, and finding no spot more inviting 
for adventure than the camp of a company of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, doing picket duty at Keyes's Ford, on 
the Shenandoah, after consultation, we determined to try our 
hand on them. On the night of the 22d of November, pass- 
ing unnoticed through the enemy's infantry picket at Hall- 
town, the rear of the cavalry picket camp was gained. As 
we were seven to about fifty of the enemy, a little stragegy 
was found necessary, and the attack was arranged on the 
Gideon plan. Much to our suri)rise, the picket force had a 
sentinel on guard in its rear, and as we approached, we were 
halted about two hundred yards from the camp. To the sen- 
tinel's demand, " Who comes there," I responded, " Friends." 
"Friends to whom?" was the demand. "Abe Lincoln," I 
replied. "Advance and give the countersign," the sentinel 
replied. Cautioning the boys that so soon as I fired they were 
to come to my aid with all the speed and noise possible, I 
rode forward, but before I reached the sentinel he fired his 
gun and rapidly retreated to camp. It is recorded in the 
[26r] 



262 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Bible, " The stars in their courses fought against Sisera," and 
on that stih November night, as with the rebel yell we 
charged along- the River road, the Shenandoah and the Blue 
Ridge echoing and re-echoing- our shout and magnifying- our 
little band into a mighty host, fought for us, and w^e dashed 
uito the enemy's camp to find only some 50 riderless horses 
and 13 men too much frightened to run. The rest had 
soug-ht safety in flight. Gathering up 13 prisoners and 26 
horses, ail we could conveniently manage, we crossed the 
river and passed out of the enemy's line along the Blue Ridge 
A/fountain road. Arriving at headquarters in safety, prisoners 
.and booty were disposed of, and report made to General 
Rosser. On the following day we obtained permission from 
the General for Company B to operate in the lower Valley. 
After getting within the enemy's lines the company was dis- 
banded, with directions for the men to meet at a certain time 
and place; the interim was spent among friends and acquaint- 
ances, changing quarters every night to prevent capture by 
the enemy. 

On the 25th, Ned Aisquith and myself ventured to spend a 
nig'ht at my home, wdiich was far in the enemy's rear, on the 
line of the Winchester and Potomac railroad, then operated 
by Sheridan's forces, and within two miles of Federal camps 
on either side. 

Arriving at home about 9 P. M., we placed our horses in 
a side stable of a large back barn; unsaddled, unbridled, and 
fed them and entered the house, then occupied by my mother, 
sister, and three small brothers. The boys were fast asleep. 
To attract as little attention as possible, we went to my 
mother's chamber, and were soon enjoying some wine and 
cake, for soldiers were always hungry and never refused to 
eat. We had not been seated more than a half-hour, when my 
sister, in passing a front window, exclaimed in affright, " Oh, 
look at the Yankees ! " We did not look, but, using our wits, 
prepared for action. Unbuckling our sabers, we hid them 
between the two mattresses of the bed. Just then knocks 




Isaac H. Strider. 



264 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Mere heard at the front door, and I told mother to let them in, 
as I knew they would break down the door if refused admit- 
tance. My plans were matured and confidence restored. 
Mother, taking- a lamp, started downstairs on her mission, and 
I followed a short distance behind, with Ned Aisquith at my 
heels, and reached a side door to the hall, opening- on a side 
porch, next to the garden. Fortunately for us, a puff of wind 
extinguished my mother's lamp, and we passed out unnoticed 
and soon mingled with the Yankees around the house, the 
night being too dark to distinguish gray from blue. Passing 
through them slowdy, so as not to attract attention, we hast- 
ened to the stable to procure our horses. When we reached 
the barn we were surprised to find the Yankees there, search- 
ing the stable, but as the side stable was not visible from the 
front of the barn, our horses had escaped their search. Enter- 
ing through a feed-room, access was obtained to our horses, 
which W'Cre in a few moments bridled, saddled, and mounted. 
Opening a side door, w^e rode out, and w^ere met by an inquiry 
from the Yankees, " Well, boys, did you find those horses? " 
to which I answered, '* Yes; a couple of old rips," and started 
in the direction of the house, but soon changed our course 
to an opposite point of the compass. Just as we were begin- 
ning to feel safe out of the enemy's clutches we were suddenly 
halted by a picket stationed beyond the barn. Veering to 
avoid this picket and making no answer, we passed out with- 
out further molestation. 

After being routed from home, we went to the home of my 
brother-in-law, about a mile distant, and fastening our horses 
in a thicket a short distance from his house and supplying 
them with a good feed from his corn-field, we laid down be- 
neath the stars and slept as sweetly as the babes in the woods. 

In the morning, having fed our horses (the horse was 
always first in a cavalryman's thoughts), the house w-as 
approached from the rear, our horses fastened behind the 
smoke-house, and we entered the dining-room to get break- 
fast. As we were being seated at the table, through extra 



Bull Run to Bull. Run. 265 

precaution, we walked to the front door to take a survey of 
the situation, and discovered a company of Federal cavalry 
entering- the front-yard gate. Quickly taking unceremonious 
leave, we mounted our horses, and leaping the rear-yard 
fence, reached the thicket, where the preceding nig-ht was 
spent, before the enemy reached the rear of the house. Con- 
cealed in the thicket, we watched the enemy's movements. 
Wt saw them ride around the house, make some inquiry of 
the servants, and then pass out the lane. Being now satisfied 
the way was clear, we returned to the house, and enjoyed 
our breakfast. 

On the night of the 29th, with 30 men of Company B, we 
attacked the camp of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry at 
Charlestown. Passing through the enemy's picket line, 
through a hollow just east of the town, under cover of a cloud 
of fog such as usually hangs on autumn nights over the little 
valleys near the river, and unobserved by the sentry on the 
adjacent hills, we reached in safety the north side of the town 
and the rear of the enemy's camp, and rode quietly to a point 
near the block-house, about twenty yards from the camp. 
Here the men dismounted, leaving the horses in charge of the 
fourth man in each file of fours, and noiselessly gained the 
block-house. Here was the picture of Fitz Greene Halleck's 
poetical fancy: 

"At midnight in his guarded tent, 
The Turk was dreaming of the hour." 

Stealthily moving on, the sleeping camp was entered, and 
the occupants awoke to find themselves prisoners. There was 
•sudden confusion and scampering among the enemy. Some 
twenty of their number, lodged in a stone house near by, 
opened fire on us. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, 
we rushed upon the house, and, seizing the door and windows, 
poured several volleys into the building. Just as George 
Crayton, my brother Robert W. Baylor, Jr. (a boy of seven- 
teen), and myself entered the door, several shots were fired 
by the inmates, one mortally wounding my brother and 



266 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

another severely wounding Cra3^ton. A few moments after, 
the cry of surrender came from the group huddled together 
in the building, and the firing ceased. My brother and Cray- 
ton were removed to the house of Dr. Mason, who had been 
for years our family physician, and where I knew they would 
be well cared for. My brother died in a few hours, but Cray- 
ton rallied for awhile, and died soon after the close of the war. 
The loss of these two gallant soldiers was deeply deplored by 
their comrades, and especially by myself. On the same day, 
just one year before, my brother Richard had been killed in a 
cavalry engagement at Parker's Store, near Fredericksburg, 
and of the four members of the family in the company I was 
the last. In this engagement we killed and wounded ii of 
the enemy, captured 27 prisoners and ^y horses and equip- 
ments. 

It seems a little strange in the light of recent publications 
of the War Records that success attended us in this attack, 
for we find that as early as November 23d, the day after the 
attack at Keyes's Ford, General Sheridan dispatched General 
Stevenson at Harper's Ferry as follows : 

Kernstown, Va., November 23, 1864. 
General : It is reported that Major Congdon, of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, reports the enemy in force at or near 
Charlestown. Find out if he has made this untruthful report. 
If the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry cannot keep that coun- 
try clear of guerillas, I will take the shoulder straps off every 
officer belonging to the regiment and dismount the regiment 
in disgrace. P. H. Sheridan, 

Major-General. 

And on the 28th of the same month he wires the command- 
ing officer at Charlestown : 

Kernstown, Va., November 28, 1864. 
Commanding Officer, Charlestown, Va. : 
Look out for Mosby to-night. 

P. H. Sheridan, 

Major-General. 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 26/ 

And Captain Payne, commanding- the Twelfth Pennsyl- 
vania on the night of the attack, in his report, says : 

I have the honor to report that in accordance with infor- 
mation of yesterday, our reserve post w-as attacked by the 
rebels last nig'ht between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock, kill- 
ing two men, wounding one, and capturing five of our men 
and 19 horses. The enemy lost in killed, one man (a young 
Baylor), and three wounded. They were about 200 strong, 
and attacked the post from different directions, dismounted. 
They were commanded by a major. Lieutenant Baylor was 
also with them, as his name was frequently mentioned by 
them at the time of the attack. 

Nathaniel Payne, 
Lieutenant S. F. Adams, Captain Commanding. 

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 

The eyes of the Captain on that night evidently had large 
magnifying powers when viewing our little band of 30 men, 
and corresponding- minimizing powers when recounting his 
loss on that occasion. He was afraid of General Sheridan's 
threat. 

After the fight at Charlestown, we retired to the neighlwr- 
hood of Milldale, and got rid of our prisoners and booty. The 
enemy, it seems, took a scout around, as usual after a fight, 
and reported as follows : 

Headquarters Second Cavalry Division. 

December i. 1864. 
Major William Russell, Jr.. 

Assistant Adjutant-General Cavalry : 
Major, — The reconnoisance sent out yesterday under 
Major T. Gibson, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, has re- 
turned, having thoroughly scouted the country between Mill- 
wood and Summit Point to near Charlestown. Xo enemy 
was seen. ]\Iosby was reported to have been in Berryville on 
the 29th. Baylor, who commanded the party of rebels which 
fought the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry at Charlestown. was 
killed, with one man. The party dispersed after the fight. 
A^ery resj^ectfull}', your obedient servant, 

Wm. B. Tibbitts. 
I>re\et Brigadier-General Commanding. 



268 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

I am, notwithstanding this report, thanks to a kind 
Providence, still alive and hearty. \A'e were not quiet very 
long. On the 6th day of December, with about 35 men, we 
made a little scout in the direction of the Double Tollgate, 
near White Post, expecting to meet some scouting party of 
the enemy in that direction. AA'e remained in that vicinity 
until about 3 P. M., when we returned to Milldale, and there 
learned that two companies of the Twenty-first New York 
Cavalry, numbering about 100 men, had been there before us, 
had taken Jim Randall, one of our men, prisoner, had plun- 
dered the good citizens of everything valuable, and were not 
more than twenty minutes ahead of us. That was enough. 
Though we were greatly inferior in numbers, all clamored for 
pursuit. We started at a brisk trot and overtook them in 
about a mile. A charge w-as ordered, and we came dowm on 
them " like a wolf on the fold," with the usual rebel yell. In 
an instant we were among them, and they in full retreat. Just 
as I passed the rear of their column I saw Jim Randall in a 
fence corner disarming one of his captors. He recognized 
us, and shouted, " Give them hell, boys ! " and w^e did. There 
w^as no halt or hesitation among our men. It seemed that 
each one was trying to be foremost. Lieutenant Holcombe, 
wdio was commanding the Yankee detachment, tried to rally 
his men, and at last, in very desperation, planted his horse 
across the road to stop them, but they deserted him, and soon 
our boys, with well-directed shots from their pistols, rolled 
him and his horse on the ground. It was about this point in 
the melee that our gallant comrade, Charles Broadway Rouss, 
who was always in the forefront in a fight, as he is in business 
to-day, bulged into a Federal trooper, knocking him and his 
horse down; but the shock threw his horse also, and the bold 
rider landed about fifteen feet off in a fence corner. But the 
net spot-cash vigor and nerve was in him then as now, and, 
mounting again, he was soon among the foremost in the 
pursuit, which continued for three miles or more. In this 




A. H. Aisquith and L. L. Sadler. 



2'/o Bull Run to Bull Run. 

engagement we killed and wounded 17, captured 35 prisoners 
and 2)7 horses and equipments. 

On the next morning General Tibbitts reports as follows to 
General Sheridan : 

Headquarters Second Cavalry Division, 

December 7, 1864. 
Major William Russell, 

Assistant Adjutant-General of Cavalry: 
Major, — Yesterday morning a detachment of 50 men of 
the, Twenty-first New York Cavalry, under Lieutenant Hol- 
combe, was sent to patrol the country in the vicinity of 
Morgan's and Howellsville fords of the Shenandoah, with 
orders to return via Millwood. Full instructions were given 
to Lieutenant Holcombe, and he was cautioned to be con- 
stantly on the alert and ready for an attack. It appears from 
the statement of an officer who was with Lieutenant Hol- 
combe, that he was attacked when near Millwood by a party 
of about 30 of the enemy, who came up the road in his rear. 
At the same time another party attacked them in the flank. 
There was apparently no fight at all, but a rapid and disgrace- 
ful flight. Lieutenant Holcombe was captured, and about 30 
of his men. The remainder have come in. I transmit this at 
the hands of one of the officers who was with the party. The 
men will be sent immediately. 

Respectfully, Wm. B. Tibbitts, 

Brevet Brigadier-General. 

Again on the same day he reports as follows : 

The scouts to the fords of the Shenandoah have returned 
and report all quiet. Lieutenant Holcombe was found at a 
house near White Post badly wounded. Three of his men 
w^ere killed; 27 captured. The number of the enemy is esti- 
mated at 35. Wm. B. Tibbitts, 

Brigadier-General. 

A summary of these fights — November 22d and 29th, and 
December 6th — wall show that in fifteen days, with a company 
whose ranks had been depleted in a hard campaign with the 
Army of Northern Virginia, fighting on each occasion greatly 
superior numbers, we had killed and wounded 28, captured 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 2/1 

75 men, and 100 horses and equipments. Before closing I 
wish to do justice to Lieutenant Nelson B. Holcombe. In 
reading over the War Records I find the following: 

Kernstown, Va., December 9, 1864. 

Major-General H. W. Halleck, 
Chief of StafT: 
I have nothing to report except the surprise and capture 
of a party of 27 men of the Twenty-first New York Cavalry. 
They belonged to a scouting party of the Second Cavalry 
Division. The ofificer in command was Lieutenant Holcombe. 
He was wounded. I have dismissed him from the serv^ice. 

P. H. Sheridan, 
Major-General Commanding. 

I do not know whether Lieutenant Holcombe is dead or 
alive. If alive, this may be some consolation to him; if dead, 
as I had supposed from the nature of his wounds, a just 
tribute to his memory. My comrades and myself will cheer- 
fully bear testimony to the fact that Lieutenant Holcombe, 
of all the men in his command, bore himself most gallantly in 
this fight. Having used his utmost endeavors to rally his 
men, and finding his efforts of no avail, he threw himself in 
the breach, and, foremost fighting, fell. 

Comrade Rouss draws from this fight a useful lesson for the 
battle of life and business, and shows that success is due to 
vigilance and to holding our forces well in hand for sudden 
emergencies. He says: " I recall a parallel. A quarter of a 
century ago, in the war times, when Sheridan was sweeping 
up the old Valley with fire and sword with barbaric savagery, 
he had sent three hundred old defenceless people to prison, 
among them my father. He had just burned the town of 
Dayton because one of his plunderers had been shot, and he 
had heard of the meeting of a few rebel dare-devils on the 
Shenandoah and sent a Lieutenant Holcombe, of the Twenty- 
first New York Cavalry, with 100 picked blue-coats, to kill or 
capture the 30 desperadoes who had ventured so far within 
his lines. There was some miscalculation as to time, how- 



272 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ever. Holcombe had been there, and was leisurely returning, 
disappointed in his game, had ransacked every chicken-coop, 
smoke-house and dwelling, and his tired boys were loaded 
down with pigs, ducks, turkeys, hams, eggs, and the devil 
only knows what they had not. Thus they were loaded down 
with collaterals and negotiables, when that hungry, reckless 
little band of rough-riders struck them without counting, and 
charged with the old rebel yell. God Almighty ! It was all 
over in less time than I write it. We got 65 prisoners, 29 
W'Cre killed and wounded; 11 got away. We would have had 
them all, but one big German Yank stood square in the road 
brandishing his sword. He could not get out of the w^ay 
nor could we stop. Baylor and I, side by side, struck him 
first. The collision was terrific; right after us game thunder- 
ing the rest. Some had a dozen pistols. I had seven on my 
belt that day. Yes; that big fellow, that couldn't say a word 
in EngHsh, piled us all up in the road and saved the balance 
of his command. I found myself twenty feet away. I never 
saw Baylor again until night, but the 300-pounder lay coiled 
up in the fence corner, dead as Julius Caesar, and the fleet- 
footed few escaped, or we w^ould have had every one. The 
heroic lieutenant was as fierce and fearless as a lion, but his 
men were massed in the road, paralyzed and pulverized before 
they had time to fight or surrender. Like the rich old hun- 
dred percenter in the sweat-box, his assets zvere in had shape, 
and on that country road, within rifle-shot of the camp-fires 
around old Winchester, by the Timberlake farm, that splendid 
soldier yielded up his life. 

" That night on the Blue Ridge, that tired little iron band 
of victors had chicken and pies and cake, and lamb and sau- 
sage, and real coffee, and we fed the Yankees on Confederate 
hard-tack and water. The Great Lord had fought for us that 
day, and we went to bed for once on a full stomach, and in 
the drenching rain slept sound, never dreaming of the mor- 
row. Had the heroic Holcombe had his forces in fighting 
trim, it would have been desperate work for us — four to one — 
but he was in bad shape, and in consequence he went down." 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold! 
Bright and yellow, hard and cold. 
Molten, graven, hammered and rolled; 
Heavy to get, and light to hold; 
Hoarded, bartered, bought and sold, 
Stolen, borrowed, squandered, doled. 

Hood. 

Several days after the Stone Bridge 'nghi I learned throui;h 
a reliable source that a bank had been established at Sharps- 
bnro-. J\Id., and that there was a considerable deposit of funds 
in the institution. The news had the effect of a Klondike 
craze on our impoverished men. Go, I must. With 15 men 
I essayed to cross the Potomac, some thirty miles in rear of 
the enemy's lines, and remove this deposit further South, 
where it was sorely needed and could be more easily circu- 
lated. The enemy at this time occupied Winchester, Summit 
Point, Charlestown, Halltown, Harper's Ferry, and stations 
along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. By passing through 
this line at night we could avoid all obstacles to crossing the 
Potomac at Butler's Ford, ascending the river, crossing the 
canal on the bridge opposite Shepherdstown, and after a short 
ride, reaching Sharpsburg, seizing oiu" coveted booty, and 
returning to the Blue Ridge before daylight. The scheme 
seemed feasible, the prize was alluring, and our hearts were 
in the enterprise. 

Crossing the Shenandoah near Manning's Ferry [ust after 
dark on the night of the 12th of December, we passed safely 
through the cnem\"s lines between Charlestown and Hall- 
town, and proceeded safely on our way. When near the 
Terrill farm we ran upon some Federal infantry engaged in 
the not very laudable enterprise of stealing sheep. We talked 
with them (feigning to belong to the Twelfth Pennsylvania 
18 . [ 273 ] 



274 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Cavalry, which we knew was stationed at Chaiiestown), gave 
them some sound view^s on the violation of the Eighth Com- 
mandment, and pressed on to Butler's Ford, where we crossed 
the river and started up the towpath towards She[)herdstown 
in order to get over the canal. A short distance up the 
towpath we met several canalboats loaded with grain on the 
way to Washington. As we passed the mule drivers w^e re- 
sponded to their inquiries of " wdiat command?" "Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry." 

Leaving them behind we were soon within a few feet of 
the bridge over the canal, when we were suddenly halted by 
a half-dozen soldiers standing near the north abutment of the 
Potomac bridge. This was not in our program, and to say 
we were surprised, puts the matter very gently. To their 
in(pury. " Who comes there? " 1 responded, " Friend," and 
in a few moments the Sergeant was at my side, with his 
hand on my knee in the most friendly manner. Fortunately, 
the night was dark and little tiakes of snow were falling. Our 
enemies were soon at ease and a good deal easier than we 
were. The men behind me were still as mice, and their silence 
somewdiat oppressed me. I informed the guard that we were 
a scouting party sent out by General Stevenson (commander 
at Harper's Ferry), to arrest some disloyal citizens at Sharps- 
burg, and belonged to the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, but 
had not been given the countersign, and did not know we had 
to pass through any of our troops. The Sergeant very cour- 
teously responded that they l)elonged to the Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalr}-, and had been sent to that post on that day; 
that he would call the ofBcer of the guard, wdio, no doubt, 
would pass us through — and he proceeded to make his call. 
We then, for the first time, recognized the cavalry camp on 
the north bank of the canal, and our better judgment called 
for a retreat, as we were largely outnumbered. 

The officer, a captain, was soon fully satisfied of our gen- 
uineness, leaned up against my horse and kindly oft'ered to 
pass us through and back. But the risk was too great. 




Seth M. Timberlake. 



2^6 Bull Rim to Bull Run. 

\^isions of rope tioated before me. The boys, in making a 
run on the l)ank in Sharpsbnrg-, would Hkely create some dis- 
turbance if their checks were not promptly honored, and the 
troops at Shepherdstown, receiving notice, would probably 
bar our retreat, and all would, most likely, be hung up before 
morning. In order, however, to further allay suspicion, I 
informed the Captain that I did not like the business intrusted 
to me (and to his honor be it said, he didn't, either), and 
would rather he would decline to let me pass, as then I could 
go back and report to General Stevenson that he had failed 
to give me the countersign, and we could not get to Sharps- 
burg. To this he readily assented, and I ordered the boys to 
face about, which movement was responded to in double- 
quick time, and we were soon retracing our steps dowai the 
towpath. 

We had been foiled in our monetary enterprise, and it was 
a sore disappointment, but we soon determined not to go 
home empty-handed. Quickening our gait, we soon over- 
took the canalboats passed on our trip up, and mules being 
the next best currency, proceeded to lay hold of these, all 
the time asserting we were the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry 
and were impressing them for government service. We 
gathered up some 15 or 16 and took the drivers wath us to 
help bring them off. The boats were loaded with contraband, 
but mothers and children were on board, and our hearts were 
too tender to turn them out on that rough night, so :^they 
escaped destruction. We recrossed the river with our booty, 
and with quiet steps were soon in the neighborhood of our 
friend William Beall's farm, where we discharged the drivers, 
telling them we could now safely take the mules into Charles- 
town, and they could return to their boats. After we were 
out of sight of them w^e deflected from the route to Charles- 
town, recrossed the Shenandoah near Manning's Ferry, and 
laid down to rest at our old friend Nat Manning's house, to 
whom, in consideration of his kindness, we presented some 
six sets of harness which we had brought off. After the war 



Bull Run to Hull Run. 



•// 



I saw Iiis team in Chaiiestown accoutred witli that same 
liarness. 

We learned a few days afterward that we had caused a 
Httle commotion in the camp of the Twelfth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, as several hard)- boatmen had appeared there on the 
next day, charging- that honorable command with stealing 
mules; but, no mules being found, the crime was laid at the 
feet of Alosby's men — the scapegoats of Confederates in these 
parts. 

General Stevenson seems to have been a little provoked at 
our interruption by the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, for on 
the next day he indites the following letter: 

Harper's Ferry, Va., December 13, 1864. 
Major-General Sheridan : 

General Sullivan has estal)lished a line of pickets on the 
Potoniac river near Shepherdstown, with instructions to 
permit no crossing, they refusing to permit a patrol of mine 
to cross the ri\er. I would respectfully ask if General Sulli- 
van is acting under orders from superior headquarters. The 
pickets are within this military district, as I understand its 
limits. John. D. Stevenson, 

Brigadier-General Commanding, 
Military District, Harper's Ferry. 

To this letter (jeneral Sheridan re])lies: 

Headquarters, W'ixch ester. \'a.. 

December 13, 1864. 
General Stevenson : 

General Sullivan is not on duty, but awaiting orders. You 
must pitch into him. T have ordered the quartermaster's 
departn-ient at Hagerstown broken up and turned in to you. 
P. H. Sheridan, Major-General. 

Armed with this authorit\-. the irate General writes as 
follov.s : 

Mariner's Ferry. \'a., December 14, 1864. 

COMMANDINC; OFFICER SiXTH PENNSYLVANIA CaVALRY : 

I understand that vou have established a line of pickets on 



2^8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

the Potomac rixer, under orders from Brigadier-General 
Sullivan, interfering with the crossing of the Potomac river 
by persons with my passes, and also refusing to allow my 
patrol to cross. Major-General Sheridan has telegraphed me 
that General Sullivan is not on duty, but awaiting orders, and 
is not authorized to assume any command. This interference 
by your pickets in my military district with my command is 
all wrong. I desire }'ou either at once to withdraw your 
pickets, or instruct them that they are alone to prevent cross- 
ing of contraband articles or rebels, and not to interrupt loyal 
citizens or troops on duty. John D Stevenson, 

Brigadier-General Commanding, 
Military District, Harper's Ferry. 

It would seem that Generals Sheridan and Stevenson were 
our friends and much incensed at our interception and inter- 
ruption by the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalrv on this occasion, 
and if General Sullivan had attended to his own business and 
let other people's alone, especially General Stevenson's, we 
might have returned shouting like the fortunate back-comers 
from the Klondike. 

The weather in December became intensely cold, and the 
ground was covered with snow. General Lee and his army 
entered the winter under the most disadvantageous and de- 
pressing circumstances. General Sherman had marched across 
Georgia to the sea, and the Confederacy was divided in twain. 
.Our railroad communications with Richmond were being 
frequently cut, rations for men and forage for horses had 
become exceedingly scarce, and Lee's men were really suffer- 
ing from hunger. Our army was greatly depleted and could 
not 1)e recruited. The situation was desperate. Desertion was 
frequent, but possibly not more frequent among us than 
among our well-fed and well-clothed enemies. On December 
20, 1864, we find the following: 

Major-General A. V. Kautz, 

Commanding Cavalry Division : 
General, — The great number of desertions that we are now 
having from this army makes it necessary to exercise unusual 
vigilance and precaution to stop it. The Major-General com- 



Bull Run lo Bull Run. 2jg 

niaiKlini;- directs, tlicrefore, that yon instruct your officers and 
men on outpost and picket duty to use their titmost endeavors 
to arrest all whom they may see trying- to desert; if necessary, 
to pursue and shoot them down. You will also inform your 
men that for every deserter apprehended a reward of $30 and 
a month's furlough will be granted to the soldier making the 
arrest. T am. very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John W. Turner, 
Brigadier-General and Chief of Stafif. 

The in\-esting army of General Grant was now fully three 
times as large as the defensive army of General Lee, but the 
morale of the latter was never better. The small force of 
General Early in the Shenandoah Valley w-as now diminished 
to supply General Lee's need in this dire extremity. The 
Confederate cavalry now in the Valley was scarce one-fourth 
that of the Federal cavalry. \\\ the October report of Sheri- 
dan's army the effective men for duty in this arm of the service 
is given as 9,704, but in Fel)ruary we find the following: 

Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, D. C, February 28, 1865. 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. : 
Sir, — The great consumption of horses in the Shenandoah 
Valley is a most serious expense. It is reported to me that 
the last reports show a cavalry force in that region of a total 
strength, present and absent, of 26,803 men; present for duty, 
11,214 men, and that there have been forwarded to the Shen- 
andoah Valley betw-een the ist of December, 1864, and 20th 
of February, 1865, 8,265 cavalry horses as remounts. The 
government has apparently replaced the horses of three- 
fourths of the men present for duty in less than three months, 
during which time there has been no great battle. 

I am. verv respectfullv, vour obedient servant, 

M. C. AIeigs, 
Quartermaster-General and Brevet Major-Cicneral. 

To oppose this immense body General Rosser had some 
4,000 men, and with these the enemy was successfully harassed 



28o Bull Run to Bull Run. 

in every direction, and kept in such a constant state of alarm 
that General Sheridan seems to have lost his temper, and 
writes : 

Winchester, Va., December 22, 1864. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War: 
Governor Boreman's telegram received. If I were to make 
disposition of the troops of my command in accordance with 
the information received from the commanders in the Depart- 
ment of Western Virginia, whom I have found, as a general 
thing, always alarming in their reports and stupid in their 
duties and actions, I certainly would have my hands full. I 
believe many of them more interested in coal oil than in 
the public service. It was only yesterday that Rosser was at 
Crab Bottom, according to their reports, on which, at the 
suggestion of General Crook, I sent a regiment to Beverly. 
It was only two or three days previous that Rosser was at 
Romney. They have annoyed me until, with your sanction, 
I would take great pleasure in bringing some of them to grief. 
P. H. Sheridan, Major-General. 

On December 20th, Sheridan sends General Custer with 
two brigades (Chapman's and Pennington's) up the Valley to 
the James river and across to Lynchburg, and General Tor- 
bert, with two divisions, by way of the east side of the Blue 
Ridge to the same destination, as will be seen by his order: 

Winchester, Va., December 20, 1864. 
Lieutenant-General Grant : 

Information from General Custer is to the effect that 
Rodes's Division has gone to Richmond, and he thinks part 
of Wharton's. Rosser went back toward Lynchburg, and it 
is said intended to go in the direction of Wythevi'ile. I have 
ordered Custer up the Valley to the James river and across 
to Lynchburg. I have ordered Torbert to edge in close to 
the Blue Ridge, so as to avoid the headwaters of the Rapidan, 
and to strike the railroad at Charlottesville, and follow up to 
Lynchburg, communicate with Custer, and unite with him. 
P. H. Sheridan, Major-General. 




Charles Trussell. 



282 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

On the 2 1 St, he wires General Grant: 

" I lieard from General Custer at Harrisonburg. He is in 
fine spirits, and says he will, he hopes, spend his Christmas in 
Lynchburg-. I heard from General Torbert last night. He 
was then near Sperryville. The weather is so bad— rain, snow 
and sleet — that I feel a great deal of anxiety about the horses. 
There are about 8,000 men on this raid; no artillery or 
wagons." 

But hopes are often blasted, and so they were with Custer. 
He shouted before he was out of the woods, and the next' 
communication is less buoyant, as will be seen by Sheridan's 
telegram to Grant of date December 22, 1864: 

" Genera! Custer reports that at or near Harrisonburg he 
encountered Rosser's Division of Cavalry, supported by 
Rodes's Division of Infantry, the cavalry and infantry having 
mardied from Waynesborough to meet him, and after a sharp 
fight before daylight he was obliged to come back. He cap- 
tured two battle-flags and 2>3 prisoners. He has not yet 
reported to me the particulars. The fight was between Chap- 
man's Brigade of Custer's Division, and Payne's Brigade 
of Rosser's cavalry. Panye's charged Chapman's camp, but 
Chapman was ready for him. I have not heard from Torbert, 
but sent this evening to apprise him of the condition of affairs 
with Custer." 

On the 24th of December, Sheridan wires General Grant 
as follows : 

" I have no information from General Torbert. Custer has 
sent in his report of the affair at Lacey's Springs, near Har- 
risonburg, between Chapman's Brigade of his division and 
Payne's Brigade of Rosser's. He repulsed and drove them, 
and there was no necessity for his return except bad weather 
and total absence of forag-e. Custer reports his loss at two 
killed, 22 wounded, and 20 prisoners. The fight occurred 
before daviight. Custer had 230 of his men frost-bitten on 
the expedition." 



Bull k'lin to Bull Run. 28^ 

• l^^irsl it was Rodes's Division of Infantn- that caused Cus- 
ter's retrog-rade movement and the relinquishment of liis 
boasted Christmas (hnner in l>ynchburg, then it was cold 
weather. Rodes was no nearer than Richmond, and the 
weather al)out Lynchburg many degrees warmer than either 
Harrisonburg or \\'inchester. Geese are sutriciently learned 
to know this, and do not travel northward in winter. W't find 
the triuh of the matter in the following report : 

Headoi'arters Army of Xorthern Virginia, 

December 23. 1864. 
Hon. J. A. Seddon : 

On the 20th, General Early reported one division of the 
enemy's cavalr}-. under General Custer, coming up the Valley, 
and two divisions, under General Torl)ert, moving throug^h 
Chester Gap with four pieces of artillery and thirty wagons. 
On the 22d Rosser attacked Custer's Division, nine miles 
from Harrisonburg, and drove him back, capturing 40 
prisoners. This morning Torbert attacked Lomax near 
Goi"donsville, and was repulsed and severely punished. He is 
retiring, and Lomax preparing to follow. R. E. Lee. 

It is needless to add that Generals Torbert and Custer 
returned to Winchester in rather depressed spirits, and they 
and their commands remained quiet for some months. The 
loss of that Christmas dinner in Lynchburg was a sore dis- 
appointment to them. 

On the 2Tst of December. Colonel ^^losby was seriously 
woimded while sitting at the supper-table at the house of Mr. 
Lake, near Rector's Cross-Roads. by a detachment of the 
enemy imder Major Erazer. He fell from the table to the 
floor, and though painfully wounded, had ]iresence of mind 
sufficient to jmll off' his coat and conceal it. and. when asked 
1)\- the Eederal soldiers for his name, replied. " Lieutenant 
Johnson. Sixth Mrginia Cavalry." They examined his 
wound, pronotmced it mortal, and left him lying on the floor. 
As soon as the enemy left the house he was taken in an ox- 
cart and carried to a secure retreat, where he remained until 
he was able \.o be moved, when he was taken to Charlottes- 



284 . Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ville. It is very remarkable that his fine mare, with her trap- 
pings, was left by the enemy, hitched in front of the house, 
and was saved. After the enemy had retired some 10 to 15 
miles the}' ascertained from some papers taken from the 
Colonel's pocket that he was the veritable Mosby, and hastily 
returned to the house, but the bird had flown, and, as usual, 
they locked the stable when too late, as will be seen by the 
following communication : 

I exceedingly regret that such a blunder was made. I 
have given directions that all wounded officers and men of 
the enemy be hereafter brought in, although I thought any 
officer ougdit to have brains and common sense enough to do 
so without an order. W. Gamble, 

Colonel Commanding Brigade. 

Colonel Mosby recovered, and was back with his. command 
in March following. 

Notwithstanding the large body of cavalry stationed during 
the winter at Winchester and vicinity, Company B main- 
tained its position in the neighborhood, and in various sorties 
and assaults killed, wounded, and captured of the enemy more 
than three times its own numbers, besides inflicting other 
losses on the enemy. 



CHAPTER XX. 

I said Fitz James was brave, 
As ever knight that belted glaive; 
Yet dare not say that now his blood 
Kept on its wont and tempered flood. 

' Scott. 

From the last chapter it will be seen that Company B had 
little aptitude in monetary affairs, but greater capacity for 
handling- mules than finances. Recognizing our natural 
abilities, we made another venture in the latter trade. 

Having rested our horses and ourselves, and received infor- 
mation that the Federal post at Summit Point w^as engaged in 
cutting and hauling off the timber of citizens in that vicinity, 
on the 19th day of December, 1864, with some 20 men, a dash 
was made among the wood-choppers and haulers al:)Out a half- 
mile west of the station, and without any resistance 20 
prisoners were captured and a like number of mules and sets 
of harness, all in full view of the infantry force of the enemy, 
which, instead of coming to the rescue of their comrades, 
took refuge in the block-house near by, and permitted us to 
ride oft' unmolested with our booty. The boys had some fun 
on the retreat, at the expense of one of the ])risoners. Several 
inches of snow covered the ground, and to expedite our 
march the prisoners were required to ride the captured mules. 
Among the number was one who gave evidence of strong 
rel)el jiropensities bv refusing to act as war steed for a 
Yankee, and scarcel}- had the blue-coat landed across its 
back when, with a hump and a few broncho jumps, he landed 
his burden in the snow. The fellow was rather averse to 
trying the steed again, but a few not very mild persuaders 
from our boys soon changed his mind, and he was landed on 
his mule, and again found himself floundering in the snow. 
The poor fellow now^ begged heartily to be excused and ex- 
pressed a decided preference for walking, but his scruples 
[285] 



286 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ag-ainst nuile-riding- were soon forcibly removed, and he 
mounted the animal again. This time, with determined reso- 
lution, he clinched his feet under the mule's belly, took tirm 
hold of the harness, and successfully resisted every effort of 
the beast to dislodge him, thus winning the plaudits and com- 
mendations of friends and foes. The booty was brought off 
safely, the prisoners sent South, and the mules apportioned. 
Christmas week was spent among friends in Jefferson and 
Loudoun counties, enjoying the hospitality of a generous and 
patriotic people. 

On the 27th of December, Charlie Henderson, Willie 
Mason, and myself spent the night with our friend, Mr. Henry 
Castleman, a gentleman in whose house every Confederate 
soldier met a warm welcome and a royal entertainment for 
those times. Having spent an agreeable night, we were 
taking leave in the morning, when our host informed us as a 
profound secret that at 2 P. M. on that day he was invited to 
dine with some neighbors and friends at Mr. R. H. Butcher's 
(\\ho lived a short distance across the field), and suggested 
that it might be agreeable for us to happen in there about 
that time and enjoy a good, square meal. \\t gladly accepted 
the tempting" suggestion, and promised faithfully not to 
betray him. The morning was passed in scouting around 
Summit Point in cjuest of an opening- for a raid, and we 
arrived at Mr. Butcher's a little after the appointed hour, and 
found the neighbors, including- our friend, seated at the table 
enjoying a royal feast. We were invited, of course^ to par- 
take, and with as much modesty and surprise as we could 
assume, accepted. The Federal cavalry were in the daily 
habit of making scouts in this neighborhood, and the host 
and his guests were apprehensi\'e lest we should be discovered 
at the banquet and occasion the arrest and imprisonment of 
the whole party. This fear produced a very unappetizing 
effect upon them all, except our friend. Ivlr. Castleman, who 
seemed really to enjoy the situation and the discomfiture of 
his neighbors. Filling ourselves, like camels about to cross 




Leonidas Tearney. 



288 . Bull Klin to Bull Run. 

the Great Sahara, we mounted our horses, and bade them all 
adieu, apparently much to the relief of those left behind. 

Near b\- a field of corn was discovered, and we entered a 
woods adjoining-, unbridled, gathered some corn and fed our 
horses. As we lolled around, waiting- until our steeds finished 
their feed, we noticed four cavalrymen riding in our direction 
up the road by the old McPherson Mill. At first view, judg- 
ing from their actions and manner of riding. Mason and 
myself pronounced them Jesse Scouts (a name applied to 
Yankees dressed in grey uniforms), but our comrade, who 
was always inclined to the other side on every question, 
asserted they were our men. When they had approached, 
however, within 200 yards, Henderson was convinced that 
Mason and myself were correct, and we quickly proceeded to 
bridle our horses and prepare for action. The fight before us 
was not underestimated. It was three to four, and Jesse 
Scouts were generally brave men, selected for perilous duty. 
Retreat w-as impossible; a high fence surrounded the woods, 
and our opponents had possession of the gate. We must 
fight or surrender. The latter idea could not be entertained 
for a moment. Riding boldy forward, facing our antagonists, 
striving to conceal on our part any movement or feeling of 
fear, we soon noticed a little tremulous movement on the 
other side and took courage. Having approached within 
fifty yards of them, one of the four called halt. That call did 
me as much good as the appearance of Blucher did Welling- 
ton. It evidenced fear on their part and made us feel bolder. 
One of the party inquired, " To W'hat command do you 
belong? " I responded, " There are four of you and three of 
us, tell us to wdiat command you belong." There was a 
pause and no reply. I realized the time had come to assume 
the offensive, and calling to them, said, " I will meet any 
one of you." And again there was indecision on their part, 
each appearing to desire his fellow to accept the challenge. 
After a short colloquy a big, burly-looking man, w-ith a red 
nose, mounted on a light-grey horse, rode forward to meet 



Bidl Run to Bull Run. 28g 

me, as I moved towards him. Mason and Henderson were 
cautioned to rush to my help as soon as I fired. I was 
assured they were Yankees, and acted accordingly. But there 
seemed to be still a lingering doubt in their minds as to our 
identity. We neared each other until our horses' heads met, 
both nerved to the highest tension, when my antagonist again 
inquired, " To what command do you belong? " His pistol 
was in his hand, under his coat-cape, cocked and ready. So 
was mine. Realizing that the truth would give him the 
advantage, I replied to his inquiry, " First New York Cav- 
alry." That regiment was camped near Berryville. The same 
inquiry was propounded to him, and he responded, " Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry." Just then, raising my pistol quickly, 
I fired. L saw the bullet had struck, but had not seriously 
wounded my foe. His pistol was discharged from under his 
cape, and he turned and fled. His comrades, seeing the dis- 
comfiture of their leader, turned and fled also, and Mason 
and Henderson coming to my aid, we pursued the four nearly 
to Myerstown, but their horses being too swift for us, they 
escaped. A few days afterwards I learned from some parties 
in Kabletown that my first shot took effect in the right 
shoulder. This no doubt had prevented the rasing of his 
pistol and possibly saved me. 

Was it justifiable to tell a story under these circumstances? 
My opponent told the truth, and it served him badly. Abra- 
ham, when in danger on account of the beauty of his wife, 
said, " She is my sister." In Scriptural wars the untruth was 
a frequent resort. In fighting an enemy we have the same 
right to fight wdth the tongue as the sword. If in war, killing 
is justifiable homicide, certainly lying is justifiable falsehood. 
Is not a feint a falsehood? Lee and Jackson misled the enemy 
by feints. However, on this occasion, there was no time to 
consider the ethics of the case; I was assured that a falsehood 
would be to my benefit, and did not hesitate to avail myself 
of it, and judged rightly, as my opponent immediately relaxed 
19 



2po Bull Run to Bull Run. 

his vigilance, advantage was taken of it, and the first shot 
obtained. 

Our Httle fracas caused considerable commotion in the 
neighborhood, and we rested on our laurels that night at the 
home of a widow lady near by, who " showed us no little 
kindness." She had visiting her at the time a niece from 
New York. In the morning I found my hat decorated with 
a magnificent black plume — the ne plus ultra of a young 
cavalryman's aspirations — which was worn to the close of the 
conflict. That young lady after the war married a gallant 
Confederate officer. 

Christmas, 1864, was spent by our boys among their rela- 
tives and friends in JelTerson and Clarke, and the Christmas 
turkey, mince-pie, and egg-nog were not wanting. Although 
our hosts had been plundered many times in the past few 
months, their larders resembled the Scriptural widow's barrel 
of meal and cruse of oil, and diminished not by frequent use 
in a good cause. The vigilance required to insure safety from 
near-by foes and their frequent scouts gave zest and relish to 
our appetites. The girls — bright, beautiful, charming girls — 
were abundant, and acted their part nobly, and if a suscepti- 
ble soldier now and then had a couple or more sweethearts, 
the fault was pardonable, as the temptation was irresistible. 
The girls understood the situation as well as the boys, and 
patriotism frequently impelled them to court more than one 
champion. 

I remember, while camping on the banks of the Rapidan, 
two members of the company, boon companions, one bearing 
the surname and the other the Christian name of the hero 
who was " first in peace, first in war, and first in the hearts 
of his countrymen," being enamoured of a charming young 
lady of that vicinity bearing the name of one of our distin- 
guished jurists. The two comrades compared notes and 
ascertained that each occupied the first place in the lady's 
esteem and affection. There was no challenge, no duel, not 
even an unpleasant ripple on the even tenor of their relations. 



Bull Run fo Bull Run. 2gi 

and each continued to enjoy the lady's entertainment and 
hospitahty. But the brightest flowers must fade, and these 
happy hours were suddenly terminated by orders to move. 
The time allotted for preparation for this step was short, and 
would not afford opportunity for separate visits, so the twain 
called tog-ether to impart the sad news and bid adieu. Matters 
were arranged between the comrades on the way over. When 
the hitching-posts were reached, one of the horses failed to be 
fastened, and the suitors entered the house and were cordially 
greeted. The mission was explained, and many regrets ex- 
pressed. Just then attention was called to the loose horse, 
and its owner proceeded to catch and fasten it. While absent, 
the other took advantage of the situation, bade farewell, and 
no doubt with ardor and affection. The loose horse was tied 
and the tied horse loosed, and the three were scarcely again 
seated before attention was directed to the loose horse, and 
its owner hastily repaired to the yard to secure it, and the 
remainderman improved the golden opportunity. When the 
absent returned, both bade a formal adieu and went on their 
way rejoicing in the happy moments and the square meals 
enjoyed, and the girl we left behind was happy, too, with the 
pleasing thought that she had made assurance doubly sure, 
and if one should be taken the other would be left. These 
little episodes were 

*' Sunny islands in our stormy main, 
Spots of azure in our clouded sky." 

During the winter the Yankees learned the abode of all of 
our boys' sweethearts, and frequently laid in wait to catch the 
unwary Leanders as they sought to steal a visit. The girls 
ought to have highly appreciated these calls, for. if caught, 
the charge would be recruiting within the lines, the poor 
fellow would be found guilty, and the death penalty inflicted. 
Such warring was not only ungallant and unchivalrous, but 
uncivilized, and not in accord with that noble humanity dis- 
played by President Lincoln when he set aside the finding of 



2<^2 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

" guilty " of one of his courts-martial in the case of a young 
prisoner captured on a visit to his lady-love (but basely 
charged with recruiting within the lines) on the distinct 
ground " that he was satisfied from the evidence there was 
a woman in the scrape and the conduct of the young man 
pardonable." Indeed, Abraham Lincoln was a notable man. 
Before and during the war, as a mere boy, I had failed to 
appreciate his true greatness. Opinions were then based on 
prejudice rather than reason. Both by birth and education 
I was thoroughly imbued with the idea that nothing good 
could come out of the Northern Nazareth, certainly not in 
the shape of " Abolitionist," a name applied to adherents of 
the Republican party. It was not until that war was ended 
and Mr. Lincoln dead that his character could be calmly and 
dispassionately studied and understood. He was a man of 
wonderful goodness, sagacity, and foresight. As a soldier, 
he would have been a great general. In divining the move- 
ments of his opponents, his conclusions were more accurate 
and far in advance of his military leaders in the field. While 
there were apparent inconsistencies in his life, they can be 
reconciled, when they are critically examined, and his per- 
sonal acts, which are purely his own, and his official acts, 
which in a large degree emanated from the head and heart 
of his ministers and advisers, are separated and analyzed. He 
always leaned to the side of mercy and humanity, and his 
faults, if faults they were, may be attributed to overzeal in this 
direction. Certainly, if he did not fully comprehend the 
fatherhood of God, he realized to its fullest extent the brother- 
hood of man. 

My judgment as to the character of Mr. Lincoln is not 
founded so much on the writings of biographers (for such 
testimony must always be received with many grains of allow- 
ance), as upon his conduct and actions through those four 
years of severe trial. He emerged from that conflict a great 
man. His death was a serious loss to the entire country — 
greater to the South than to the North. 



Wm. S. Thomson. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Singing through the forests, 

Rattling over ridges, 
Shooting under arches, 

Rumbling over bridges, 
Whizzing through the mountains. 

Buzzing o'er the vale, 
Bless me, this is pleasant, 

Riding on the rail! 

Saxe. 

About the first of the new year (1865) the company was 
ordered to report to the command, then encamped near 
Swope's Depot, some five miles west of Staunton, and, with 
sad hearts, we bade adieu to our friends in the lower Valley 
and joined our regiment. We found sufficiency of food 
neither for ourselves or our horses. The weather was bitter 
cold, and the ground was covered with snow. After hunger- 
ing and shivering in this camp some three weeks, we were 
again ordered to the lower Valley. 

General Sheridan was still at Winchester, and his name 
recalls to my mind Byron's Corsair — 

" He left a Corsair's name to other times, 
Linked with one virtue and a thousand crimes." 

The character of the warfare waged by this commander can 
be best learned from his own orders, a few of which follow 
here : 

Kernstown, Va., November 26, 1864. 
Major-General H. W. Halleck: 

I will soon commence work on Mosby. Heretofore I have 
made no attempt to track him up, as I would have employed 
ten men to his one, and for the reason that I have made a 
scape-goat of him for the destruction of private rights. Now, 
there is going to be an intense hatred of him in that portion 
[294] 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 2^5 

of the Valley which is nearly a desert. I will soon commence 
on Loudoun county, and let them know there is a God in 
Israel. Mosby has annoyed me considerably, but the people 
are beginning to see that he does not injure me a great deal, 
but causes a loss to them of all they have spent their lives 
in accumulating. Those people who live in the vicinity of 
Harpers Ferry are the most villainous in this Valley, and 
have not yet been hurt much. If the railroad is interfered 
with I will make some of them poor. Those who live at home 
in peace and plenty w^ant the duello part of this war to go on, 
but when they have to bear this burden by loss of property 
and comforts they will cry for peace. 

P. H. Sheridan, Major-General. 

This, which could not be excelled by Weyler, was written 
by Sheridan after laying waste not only the Valley, but Fau- 
quier and southern Loudoun. He did not frighten us, but 
drove us to desperation and retaliation. On the night of the 
23(1 of January, having received information that several 
stores were operated in Shepherdstow^n under Federal per- 
mits, with some 30 men we entered the town, and sacked the 
stores, bringing ofif many articles useful and necessary for 
the men, their families, and sweethearts. As these stores 
would not sell their goods to rebels or rebel families, and 
were barred to us and ours, they w-ere legal subjects of cap- 
ture and confiscation. General Sheridan heard of this raid, 
and on the 25th wired General Stevenson: 

" One of my scouts from Shepherdstown reports that 40 
rebels entered that place a few nights ago and robbed two 
stores. Have you any facts in the case, and is it best to allow 
stores to be opened there? " 

And General Stevenson replied : 

"A party of rebel soldiers and citizens did rob a store at 
Shepherdstown of a small amount of goods. I saw the party 
robbed, who promised to furnish me the names of the parties 
engaged. My information is that the robbery was committed 



2q6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

by some rebel soldiers and citizens, and not by a party 
organized for a raid. There are but two or three stores and 
with small stocks." 

This dispatch from Stevenson seems to have stirred the 
wrath of " Little Phil," for he immediately wires Stevenson : 

'* If you find any citizen harboring or abetting these robber 
bands in your district, drive off all their stock and burn all 
their grain. There are certainly some such people about 
Shepherdstown and its vicinity." 

Sufifice it to say the goods were safely brought through the 
enemy's lines, and served to gladden the hearts and homes of 
our lady friends. I regret to mention that this raid cost Com- 
rades Sadler and F. J. Manning, after the war, under radical 
justice, about $500 each — dear pay for their portion of the 
spoil ! 

After resting for a few days we were apprised by one of our 
scouts that a Federal paymaster would pass west on the 
Baltimore and Ohio express on the night of February 3d, and 
as our boys had not received any pay for some time, we 
thought this a golden opportunity to get a little remunera- 
tion. Gathering together about 30 men, we crossed the 
Shenandoah at Keyes's Ford, passed the enemy's lines be- 
tween Halltown and Harper's Ferry, and reached the line of 
the Baltimore and Ohio just east of Duffield's about 10 P. M. 
Our horses were fastened about 500 yards from the railroad, 
and we proceeded on foot to the track to make preparations. 
The rails of the Baltimore and Ohio at that time were bolted 
together with wooden pieces, or stringers, and as we had no 
wrenches, we found it impossible to separate them. We 
prized up one side of the track, stayed it with ties, and laid 
down to await the expected train. A good, soft place had 
been selected, to minimize the damage to life on the train 
as much as possible. A few moments after finishing our pre- 
parations a guard came along, and was taken in without 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 2Qy 

trouble or noise, as troops were stationed at short distances 
on either side. Our waiting was not long; the rumble was 
heard in the distance; nearer and nearer it came, until the 
iron horse with his fiery head appeared in full view^ All were 
eager and excited. The prize seemed in our grasp. The 
engine struck the obstruction; a great crash followed, and 
the train stopped. But, alas! it w^as only a special freight, 
running on express time. Our financial hopes were again 
blasted. The train was ransacked, abundance of wine, cham- 
pagne, beer, and other drinks, with cakes, candies, cofifees, 
sugar, oysters and other eatables wer found and taken in 
possession as far as our capacities would allow. Some of the 
boys got rather to much of the liquids, and trouble was appre- 
hended, if opposition should be encountered on our return. 
The men loaded themselves and their horses, some carrying 
as much as a sack of coffee, and we began our retreat. As 
the enemy's line had been crossed on our way over between 
Halltown and Harper's Ferry, it was prudent to pass back in 
the vicinity of Charlestown, and consequently we passed just 
east of that town, took the Kabletow^n road and recrossed the 
river at Myer's Ford. How well and wisely we planned will 
be seen from the Federal report : 

Baltimore, Md., February 4, 1865. 

Hon. Edwix M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War : 
I feel it my duty to report that 38 rebels were again per- 
mitted last night to throw^ off and rob a train, breaking the 
engine and cars, within three and a half miles of Harper's 
Ferry, in the immediate vicinity of the recent similar attack. 
May I ask that such instruction be given the commandant at 
Harper's Ferry as will prevent these frequent raids upon the 
road at points that can be certainly defended? The locality 
which has been so repeatedly attacked and about which 
special vigilance is required is where the road from Charles- 
town to Shepherdstown intersects our line. 

John W. Garrett. 



2p8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Secretary Stanton then wires General Sheridan : 

War Department, 
Washington, D. C, February 4, 1865. 

Major-General Sheridan : 

Another train was thrown off the track and robbed last 
night within three and a half miles of Harper's Ferry, in the 
immediate vicinity of a recent occurrence of like kind. I am 
apprehensive that General Stevenson is not sufficiently vigi- 
lant. The point of intersection of the roads from Charlestown 
with Shepherdstown, it seems to me, ought to be better 
guarded than has been done by Stevenson. Will you please 
give this matter attention? The interruption of trains there 
seems to be chronic, and may spread if not checked. 

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 

General Sheridan seems to cast all the blame on Colonel 
Reno, and sends him this tart telegram : 

Charlestown, W. Va., February 4, 1865. 
Colonel M. A. Reno : 

The country in your vicinity and out for a distance of ten 
miles is full of Confederate soldiers. With a regiment as 
strong as yours you should be able to capture many of them, 
and I will look to you to do so. At every house where you 
make a capture drive ofif all stock except one milch-cow, and 
notify the people that I will put them out of my lines and let 
their rebel friends take care of them. 

P. H. Sheridan, Major-General. 

Colonel Reno reports as follows : 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the party w^hich ran 
the train off the track on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, 
crossed at or near Keyes's Ford; had timely information of 
this crossing and their whereabouts, and would have suc- 
ceeded in capturing some of them had my orders been obeyed. 
About 10 P. M. I sent out two parties under command of 
Lieutenants Guild and Chase. These parties were about 50 
strong. Lieutenant Chase was ordered with his command to 
cover the roads leading to different fords through Bloomery. 
Lieutenant Guild was ordered to overtake and head off the 




Richard Timberlake. 



300 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

party, attack them and drive them back. After he left camp, 
instead of following them up he thought he had better move 
towards the river, the diametrically opposite direction from 
his orders. Lieutenant Chase, with good reason, did not 
expect our men in that direction, and fired into Lieutenant 
Guild's command. I regret to say that one man. Private 
Hogeland, Company D, was wounded. I have placed Lieu- 
tenant Guild in arrest, and now report him for immediate 
dismissal, as he is solely responsible for the miscarriage of my 
plans. I do not design that he be court-martialed, as that 
would occupy more time than he is worth. He is entirely 
unfit for a commission, inasmuch as he takes no pains to 
improve himself, nor does he study to render himself worthy 
of his position. He, although never what you could charge 
as drunkenness, is always full, and when not stupefied with 
whiskey, he is with opium. His performance last night is 
sufficient evidence to hang him. As far as I can learn, the 
rebels numbered about 30 men. M. A. Reno, 

Colonel Commanding Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalr}-. 

General Stevenson sent the above report to General Sheri- 
dan, and says : 

" I forwarded you yesterday Colonel Reno's report of the 
party and the way in which he did not catch him." 

Poor Guild was the scape-goat. After the capture we 
passed back within a half-mile of Colonel Reno's camp, and 
in a quarter of a mile of Lieutenant Chase's company, and 
they must have been stupefied also. A few days after this 
raid General Sheridan sent a regiment of cavalry to DufSeld's 
with the following orders : 

Headquarters Cavalry Corps, 

February 5, 1865. 
Brigadier-General T. C. Devin : 

General, — The General Commanding directs that you will 
detail a strong regiment to take position at Duffield's Station, 
or as near that point as practicable, on the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad, with instructions to protect the road in that 
vicinity. That neighborhood has of late been infested with 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ^oi 

friends, getting clothes, plundering, etc. These men have of 
late committed depredations on the railroad, throwing trains 
off the track, and robbing passengers. The commanding 
officer will make dispositions to prevent this in future in that 
vicinity. He will send out parties to scour the country and 
dispose of the lazvless ruffians who are committing the out- 
rages spoken of. No quarter will be g-iven these persons who 
have destroyed by their actions the right to be treated as 
prisoners of war. When a guerrilla is found on a plantation, 
or at a habitation, the fences, etc., of the farm will be de- 
stroyed, and the citizens generally will be given to understand 
that if they continue to harbor these villains they will be 
turned from their houses and sent through our lines. The 
regiment will seek an eligible cantonment near Duffield's 
Station, and construct shelter for men and horses. Supplies 
will be drawn from Duffield's Station. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. F. Hayden, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

If men in the discharge of their duty as soldiers, endeavor- 
ing to break the enemy's line of communication and cut off 
his supplies are to be treated as lazvless ruffians and villains, 
has the vocabulary a name foul enough for the infamy of the 
man who burned the houses, barns, and grain of inoffending 
citizens, women, and children, and boasted himself that a 
crow in passing over this waste would have to carry his 
rations? In execution of his fiendish purpose, and on ac- 
count of the capture of two members of our company (mere 
boys), who had gone home to see their mothers, he issued 
General McMillan this order: 

" I want you to send to the house of Mrs. Alexander, where 
the guerrillas James Washington and Herbert Alexander 
were captured, and drive off all stock except one milch-cow, 
and burn every rail on the Claymont farm as a punishment 
for harboring guerrillas, notify the people in that vicinity that 
I will destroy every farm and drive oft' all stock wherever I 
find them harboring guerrillas, and put the people outside my 
lines in the direction of Richmond. Report the execution of 
this order. P. H. Sheridan, 

Major-General. 



302 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Sheridan was afraid that General McMillan had a heart 
that could feel, and the imperious mandate of humanity would 
alleviate the severity of his order, if not cause it to be ignored, 
and he therefore requires McMillan to report its execution. 

Claymont at the date of this order was occupied by defence- 
less ladies, and this was known to Sheridan when he indited 
his order, as is shown on the face of the order itself. 

Just a short time previous to the capture of Washington 
and Alexander, John E. Boyd, of Berkeley county, had been 
taken prisoner by one of Sheridan's scouting parties, and on 
the day of his capture this order was issued : 

general orders no. 8. 

Headquarters Middle Military Division, 

January 12, 1865. 

A Confederate soldier, giving his name as John E. Boyd, 
caught within the lines of the army under circumstances 
w^hich leave no doubt that he is a spy of the enemy's, and his 
manner since capture confirming this, the said John E. Boyd 
will at 12 o'clock, meridian, to-morrow, January 13, 1865, 
or as soon thereafter as practicable, be hung by the neck until 
he is dead. The Provost-Marshal-General of this army is 
charged with the execution of this order. 

By command of Major-General Sheridan. 

C. KiNGSBERRY, Jr., 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

In the practice of my profession, in the progress of a mur- 
der trial, the duty was devolved on me of asking for a con- 
tinuance of the case, on the ground that the indictment had 
just been returned and the prisoner had not suf^cient time to 
prepare his defence. The court, in overruling the motion, 
said, " The Constitution guaranteed the prisoner a speedy trial, 
and he zvas going to give it to him." Sheridan in that case not 
only invoked this provision of the Constitution as interpreted 
by the learned judge, but he eliminated also the right of trial, 
either by jury or drum-head court-martial. I am glad, how- 
ever, to state that our friend escaped the execution of this 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 303 

vicious order, and is alive to-day, enjoying the good things 
of this life, while his wotdd-be assassin has gone where he 
will receive the just reward of his actions. 

Washington and Alexander, at the time of their capture 
(about eighteen years of age, mere frail boys), were cast into 
a cold, damp, and cheerless dungeon at Fort McHenry, and 
so cruelly and inhumanly treated that in a few weeks death 
relieved them of their sufferings. They were near kinsmen, 
and now lie buried near each other in the old Episcopal 
churchyard in Charlestown. On the grave-stone of the 
former is the simple inscription : 

James C. Washington, 

Born Sept. 14, 1847; 

Died February 28, 1865. 

" God is Love." 

And on the grand monument of his murderer should be in 
contrast the fitting epitaph : 

The Devil is Hate. 

It was now evident the Confederacy was nearing its end. 
Our army, without means of recuperation and without pro- 
visions and forage, was perishing from internal causes, and 
the men who had fought so gallantly for four years were now 
so dispirited that much of its vigor was lost, and it became 
an easy prey to the enemy. 

On February 27th, General Sheridan, with the First and 
Third divisions of his cavalry, thoroughly equipped for the 
trip, left Winchester, marched south by way of the Valley 
turnpike, and reached Staunton on March 2d, without 
material opposition. From Staunton he moved to Waynesbo- 
rough, where he encountered the remnant of General Early's 
army, and after a short contest completely routed it, cap- 
turing about 1,000 prisoners, and its artillery and wagon- 
train. Sheridan then moved to Charlottesville, down to the 
James river, north of Richmond. From thence he marched 



^04 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

to Hanover Courthouse, and round to the James below Rich- 
mond, crossed the river and joined Grant. A number of Hke 
expeditions, with Lynchburg as the objective point, had 
failed, because our army had men to oppose, but now we were 
helpless. 

General Merritt, in his report, says: 

" Thus was completed a campaign which for brilliancy of 
conception and perfect success in execution has never been 
equalled in the operations of cavalry in this or any other 
country. The results attest the importance of the service per- 
formed. The remnant of Early's famous Army of the Valley, 
which, less than a year before had environed the capital of 
the country, was captured or dispersed; his artillery, trains, 
correspondence and baggage in our hands. Two railroads 
and one canal, immense arteries of supply for the rebel Army 
of Northern Virginia, were completely disabled, and millions 
of dollars' worth of rebel property, contraband of war, was 
destroyed or used for the command. The rapidity of our 
march over roads rendered almost impassable by heavy rains, 
which rendered the crossing of each petty creek a work of 
great labor and time, was truly marvellous, and led the enemy ^ 
completely astray as to our movements. Over 350 miles were 
marched by the main body of the command, some parts of 
which made over 500 miles. Over 2,000 prisoners were taken, 
18 pieces of artillery and a large number of arms, and many 
stand of colors. These are some of the substantial fruits of 
the expedition, which, while it inflicted immense damage on 
the Army of Northern Virginia, introduced for the first time 
to many of the responsible people of Virginia the stern 
realities of the wicked war they themselves had sought." 

Indeed, General, many an old Confederate and his horse 
who had been denied a morsel from the full meat-houses and 
corn-cribs of the people of Albemarle, rejoiced when they 
were opened at your command, " Sesame." These people had 
not seen the enemy until you appeared in their midst, and then 




S. D. Timberlake. 



So6 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

they realized the value and worth of their defenders. Your 
sabers forced a generosity that would not respond to the ear- 
nest appeals of hunger and famine. But, General, your march 
was through the Confederate graveyard, and you needed only 
to whistle to keep up your courage; the bones of soldiery 
could do you no harm. The army had indeed knocked at the 
gates of your capital, but what you met at Waynesborough 
was only its remains, and the baggage capture of which you 
boast was as valueless as the formal dedication of the penni- 
less groom, who solemnly says to his bride " with all my 
worldly goods I thee endow." 

How great in contrast was the conduct and character of 
Generals Grant and Sheridan. General Grant never made 
war on defenceless people. There may have been depreda- 
tions committed by his army in violation of his general orders, 
but the commanders were held to account and the offending 
parties punished, if caught. With Sheridan, however, his 
inferior of^cers and men were more humane than the General 
himself, and frequently refused to execute his orders. In 
comparison with orders of Sheridan I give one emanating 
from General Grant. 

General Wilson, just prior to the fight at Sappony Church, 
had been on a raid through Southern Virginia, and his men 
had committed many depredations in violation of general 
orders and the usages of civilized warfare. In justice to 
General Wilson, I must say I am satisfied he disapproved of 
such conduct, and this is shown by his orders before and his 
reports after the raid. The conduct of General Wilson's men 
was brought to the notice of General Grant through a copy 
of a Richmond paper that fell into his hands, and he writes 
General Wilson : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

July I, 1864. 
Brigadier-General J. H. Wilson, 

Commanding Third Cavalry Division : 
General,— I am directed by the Major-General command- 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ^0/ 

ing to invite your attention to the editorial article in the 
Richmond Examiner (copy herewith), connnenting on your 
recent expedition. The commanding General cannot believe 
the statements of the article are well founded, but as the case 
of alleged depredations are in several instances cited with 
particularity, he deems it due to you as the commander of 
the expedition that you shall be made acquainted with the 
serious charges against its management set forth in the 
article in question, and be allowed an opportunity of denying 
them; and he also desires to have your report, so that he 
may be prepared to promptly answer any otftcial call that 
may be made upon him for information touching the allega- 
tions, should the matter hereafter be brought to his notice. 
I am also directed to transmit to you in this connection a 
copy of General Orders No. 24, of the 27th ultimo, from these 
headquarters, republishing orders heretofore, relative to 
seizure of property; and in view of the orders in force in this 
army upon the subject, the commanding General is reluctant 
to conclude that they have been violated in your command 
by the seizure of property not recognized as legitimately 
liable to capture or by the appropriation of property seized 
to private purposes. The commanding General wishes you to 
have at once a thorough inspection made of your command 
with a view to ascertain whether any of the of^cers or men 
have in their possession any plate, watches, etc., taken under 
the circumstances in the editorial. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient, 

S. Williams, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 



The evil that men do, lives after them; 
The good is often interred with their bones. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

The harp that once through Tara's halls 

The soul of music shed, 
Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls 

As if that soul were fled. 
So sleeps the pride of former days, 

So glory's thrill is o'er. 
And hearts that once beat high for praise, . 

Now feel that pulse no more. 

Moore. 

February, 1865, like the preceding month, was intensely 
cold, and both sides were busily engaged in keeping warm 
and comfortable. March followed with more genial skies, 
and the armies began to stir. General Sheridan having 
moved from Winchester, with two divisions of cavalry, joined 
General Grant's army around Petersburg. General Hancock 
succeeded him in command, and made new arrangment of 
military posts, and some days were spent by us in familiar- 
izing ourselves with the situation. 

On March 13th, with seven men, we crossed the Shenan- 
doah, then much swollen, swimming our horses, struck the 
Berry ville turnpike, a mile south of Charlestown, about 10 
P. M., and moved cautiously in the direction of the town, 
then garrisoned as a Federal post. At the toll-gate, then 
located within the present corporation limits, we were halted 
by the enemy's picket, a single soldier, who demanded, 
"Who comes there?" I responded, "Friend to Abe Lin- 
coln." The picket then replied, "Advance and give the 
countersign." Advancing until within a *few feet of him, I 
discovered he was covering me with his gun. I realized that 
a ruse de guerre was necessary. I was riding at the time a 
little sorrel horse, Jeb, an almost perfect cavalry steed, learned 
in many accomplishments, who would rear whenever desired. 
[308] 



Bull Rim to Bull Run. ^og 

This picket was on the alert, and 1 must divert his attention. 
A stroke on the neck, and Jeb rose on his hind legs, and as he 
did so, I shouted, " Take down your gun, you frighten my 
horse." Down it went, and in a second my pistol was at his 
head, with a demand. " Surrender, you son-of-a-gun." This 
was my favorite salute to the Yankees on such occasions, and 
was as near swearing as anything I did during the war, and I 
believe it had as much effect as something stronger. The 
soldier's gun dropped on the ground, and up went his hands. 
My comrades now coming up, the countersign was demanded 
of the prisoner and given to us without hesitation. Death was 
the penalty threatened if it proved to be wrong. The prisoner 
then directed us to the next post westward, where the coun- 
tersign proved genuine, and this picket also was gathered in. 
The town was surrounded with a cordon of pickets, and the 
full circuit was made and all the posts relieved without 
trouble or alarm until the last was reached. This post was 
just east of the one first taken, on the hill in rear of the 
Academy. As my recollection now serves me, there were 
with me on this occasion. Douglas Mason, Howard Kerfoot 
(now the distinguished Baptist divine), Jim and Shannon 
Gallaher, Ike Anderson, Bob North, and \Yillie Johnson. 
The pickets up to this one had been relieved by me without 
the least difficulty. Doug. Mason requested and was granted 
permission to relieve this last fellow, as I apprehended no 
danger. When a halt was demanded and the sentinel's in- 
quiry had been answered, "Friends, with countersign," Mason 
rode forward at the demand, "Advance and give counter- 
sign," until close to his man, when he was ordered to dis- 
mount. As this fellow was evidentlv more cautious than his 
fellows a little apprehension was felt for Mason's safety, and 
the next moment \fas awaited with suspense. Suddenly two 
shots rang out simultaneously on the night air, breaking the 
solemn stillness of the hour. Dashing up, I found Mason and 
the ^■ankee Iving on the ground. Mason shot through the 
shoulder and the Yankee through the stomach. No disturb- 



J70 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ance had been made until the encounter with this picket, but 
now the alarm was given, and a speedy retreat was necessary, 
as the reserve would soon be upon us. Putting- Mason on his 
horse, I started south on the Berryville turnpike, Mason, 
prisoners and small guard in front, and some three or four in 
rear to protect them. The enemy pursued only a short dis- 
tance, and very cautiously. Halting at each favorable point, 
the advance was greeted with a little volley, which seems 
from the enemy's account not to have been without efifect. 
After passing Roper's Hill the pursuit seems to have been 
abandoned, and Mason was taken into Mr. Milburn's house 
on the Frame (now Burns) farm, his wound dressed and 
bound. Our retreat was then continued to Clarke and Warren 
counties, and the prisoners sent to Gordonsville. 

The enemy's report of this affair, contained in the following 
dispatches, is very meagre : 

Headquarters Middle Military Division, 

March 15, 1865. 
General Stevenson, Harper's Ferry : 

General Hancock wishes to know whether there is any 
truth in the report that the guerrillas attacked some of your 
pickets the other night, killing one of Reno's men. 

C. H. Morgan, Brevet Brigadier-General. 

Harper's Ferry, March 15, 1865. 
Brigadier-General Morgan, Chief of Staff: 

On the evening of the 13th instant a party of guerrillas 
attacked one of Reno's picket posts, killing one man and 
wounding two others. John D. Stevenson, 

Brigadier-General. 

The streams continuing swollen, operations were suspended 
for some weeks. On the 5th of April, at North Fork Church, 
in Loudoun county, Colonel Mosby, who had recovered from 
his wound and returned to his command, organized another 
company (H), and the following officers were elected : George 
Baylor, captain; Edward F.Thompson, first lieutenant; James 
G. Wiltshire, second lieutenant; and B. Frank Carter, third 
lieutenant. 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ^ii 

The mode of this election was unique and novel, and would 
do credit to the Sachem of Tammany. Colonel Mosby was 
present, and the men w^ere drawn up in line facing him. The 
men were mostly personally unknown to me, and how a lot 
of strangers were going to elect me their captain was an 
enigma my juvenile brain could not solve. But Colonel 
Mosby had promised I should be captain, and I had abiding 
faith in him, so I remained near by to see how it would be 
accomplished. At that time I was young and little versed in 
politics and the w^ays of the heathen Chinee. Colonel Mosby 
then called attention, and said, " Men, I nominate George 
Baylor, of Jefferson county, captain of this company." He 
did not wait for a second, but continued, "All in favor of 
Baylor as captain, say aye." There was a feeble response 
along the line, and much apprehension was felt by me to hear 
the negatives, but no opportunity was afforded the negatives, 
and proclamation was immediately made by the Colonel, 
" George Baylor is unanimously chosen captain." The other 
ofificers were elected in the same extraordinary way, and the 
Colonel pronounced the company ready for service, and 
ordered me to take it on a scout to Jefferson and baptize it. 
The company numbered about 50 men, and were w-ell 
mounted and equipped. According to the Mosby custom, I 
disbanded the company for the night, with orders to meet 
next morning at Snickersville. The company met according 
to order, and, crossing the Shenandoah at Snicker's Ferry, 
moved off in the direction of Charlestown. On the way I 
learned that the Loudoun Rangers were camped near Mill- 
ville (Keyes Switch, as it was then called), and that most of 
the Federal cavalry had gone up the Valley. The Loudoun 
Rangers were two companies composed of men from Lou- 
doun county and the neighboring country, and Mosby's men 
had long l)een desirous of capturing them. Here was the 
opportunity: a regiment of infantry was cani|)ed just east of 
Halltown, picketing down to the river, and it was necessary 
to pa.ss through this line of infantry pickets to reach the 



^12 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Rangers' camp. The infantry picket was approached about 
lo A. ]\I.. sahited, and passed without molestation, our men 
keeping- perfectly in rank, and making no efifort to capture or 
disturb them. This picket very politely gave us the usual 
military salute — " present arms " — but some of our boys, who 
took a sly glance at them, say it was the most tremulous 
salute they ever witnessed. Having safely passed the infantry 
picket line, we rode quietly to within fifty yards of the 
Rangers' camp, and seeing them in their cavalry tents, horses 
tied to stakes, and engaged in various diversions, ordered a 
charge. They outnumbered our force two to one, but we 
were playing a bold game, and the bold game generally wins 
in war as well as in cards. With two jacks and the joker in 
our hands; our opponents must yield. A general flurry and 
commotion followed our charge. A few seemed disposed to 
fight, but most to surrender. A few shots soon quieted the 
more pugilistic. Some ran for the bushes and made good 
their escape, but the greater part were made prisoners. The 
loss of the enemy was two killed, four wounded, 65 prisoners, 
81 horses and equipments; our loss, one. wounded, Frank 
Helm, of -Warrenton. This was a pretty good beginning for 
Company H, yet scarce two days old, and it felt proud of its 
achievement. Gathering up the prisoners, horses and equip- 
ments, the tents and wagons were fired, and Company H 
rode off, while the Federal infantry in full view were sound- 
ing the '' long roll " and falling into line. The river was 
crossed at Keyes's Ford, and pursuit was not attemoted by 
the enemy. 

Since writing the foregoing I have seen a volume entitled 
" Loudoun Rangers." writen by Briscoe Goodhart, who 
claims to have been a member of that command, and found 
therein the following account of the afifair: 

"April the 6th, the command, or rather what few were at 
the camp, were taking their ease, when a body of about 250 
men in blue uniform approached from the northwest, or the 
Charlestown turnj^ike. Little attention was given, as it was 




James T. Trussell. 



jj^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

supposed this was a body of Custer's Cavalry, that was known 
to be in the Valley. The column came up to less than fifty 
yards, when they dashed into our camp, capturing the 
majority of the few that were there. This force proved to be 
Mosby's command, who thus approached our camp under the 
guise of Federal troops. We had ■ about 20 broken-down 
horses in camp, and most of them were taken. As they 
undertook to recross the Shenandoah river our pickets that 
were stationed there in charge of George V. Kern, opened 
fire on them, wounding several. One picket, Frank Kidwell, 
of Company B, was dangerously wounded and left on the field 
for dead. Richmond having fallen into Federal hands, these 
prisoners were kept in custody by Mosby about one week and 
paroled." 

This statement is very incorrect, probably because the 
author was not present on this occasion. Our men did not 
exceed 50. The company had only been organized the day 
before, and its ranks were far from full. Neither is it true 
that we wore blue uniforms. I remember that when the camp 
of the Rangers was entered, David Mohler, orderly sergeant 
of the company; Lieutenant Wiltshire (now Dr. James G. 
Wiltshire, of Baltimore), and myself were riding in front, and 
were all dressed in grey uniforms, and while there may have 
been an occasional blue overcoat, I know that the men gen- 
erally wore Confederate attire. I am impressed with the fact 
of Wiltshire's presence in front by an incident then occurring. 
As the company was new and untried, I thought possibly 
some of the men might fall back if stubborn resistance was 
made by the enemy, so I directed Wiltshire to repair to the 
rear and see that the men kept closed up. He very feelingly 
replied : " Captain, don't send me to the rear; I am not accus- 
tomed to occupy that place when there is a fight before us." 
I fully appreciated his disinclination and did not further insist. 
We did approach very near before assuming a hostile attitude. 
We sailed into that camp much like Dewey sailed into the 
harbor of Ad^aniia, fully resolved to whip these Yankees, or 



Bull Run to Bull Run. j/5 

get an awful \vlii])j)ing ourselves. 1 am full\' aware that these 
J\anoers were surprised and taken at great disadvantage, but 
the fact is the}- greatl)' outnumbered us. Some of them were 
at the river near by fishing and escaped in the undergrowth, 
as did also a portion of those in camp, but some 65 men were 
taken prisoners, and the Loudoun Rangers thereafter ceased 
to exist. The horses there captured were not broken down, 
but among the finest taken during the w'ar. A fine grey 
horse* the property of Captain Grubb, then commanding the 
Rangers, was presented by Company H to Colonel Alosby, 
and a fine bay mare was retained and ridden by me, and the 
residue di\'ided among the company, while a dozen or so w^ere 
restored to their lawful owners, from whom they had been 
recently taken. 

General Stevenson, connnanding at Harper's Ferry, and 
under whose orders the Loudoun Rangers were acting, on 
the same day of the capture wires General Hancock at Win- 
chester as follows : 

Harper's Ferry, April 6, 1865. 

Mosby surprised the camp of the Loudoun Rangers near 
Keyes's Ford and cleaned them out. He made the attack about 
10 A. ]\I. I have sent out some infantry. When I get a report 
I will send you particulars. John D. Stevenson, 

Brigadier-General. 

Does this sustain Mr. Goodhart's version of the affair? 

General Hancock, in his of^cial report of this affair, says : 

" On the 6th of April, a body of Mosby's guerrillas sur- 
prised the camp of the Loudoun Rangers, near Charlestown, 
cai)turing a number of men and nearl\- all their horses." 

Is this the language of a general reporting the capture of 
a few broken-down horses? 

Lieutenant-Colonel D. R. Clendenin, of the Eighth Illinois 
Cavalry, who was scouting through Loudoun county about 
this time, in his report, says: 

'* On the 6th, 40 Federal prisoners passed through Upper- 



JJ"^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

ville, having- been taken by Mosby's men, near Harper's 
Ferr}'. These prisoners were reported to belong- to the Lou- 
doun Rang-ers." 

Major Scott, who wrote in 1867, " Partisan Life with 
Mosby," when these events were fresh in the mind, and all the 
actors on both sides in being and accessible, says : 

" He (Baylor) took the precaution to pass in between Hall-- 
towai (where there was a brigade of infantry) and the camp. 
When jvithin fifty yards of the Loudoun Rangers, the order 
to charge was given. Two of them were killed, four wounded, 
and 65 taken prisoners, together with 81 horses with their 
equipments. The rest of the command sought refuge in the 
bushes. The only loss which Baylor sustained was Frank 
Helm, of Warrenton, who was wounded as he charged among 
the foremost into the camp. When Major-General Hancock, 
so distinguished in the Federal Army, heard of Baylor's 
exploit, he laughed heartily, and exclaimed, ' Well, that is 
the last of the Loudoun Rangers.' " 

It is the province of the true historian to sift the truth from 
conflicting statements, and the reader may form his own con- 
clusions as to this affair ! 

It may be of interest to some readers to know from whence 
sprang " Mosby's men," and how they lived and maintained 
themselves within the enemy's lines. L'^ntil the early spring 
of 1863, Mosby's command had no regular organization, and 
although its chief had no real title, he was generally known 
as " Captain Mosby," a private in the First Virginia Cavalry, 
on scouting duty for General Stuart. About the 12th of 
March, Mosby made a daring raid on General Stoughton, at 
Fairfax Courthouse, brought himself into prominence before 
his superiors, and was honored by the following general 
order : 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

March 12, 1863. 

Captain John S. Mosby has for a long time attracted the 
attention of his p-enerals bv his boldness, skill, and success, so 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ^ij 

signally displayed in his numerous fora3s upon the invaders 
of his native State. None know his daring enterprise and 
dashing heroism better than the foul invaders, though 
strangers themselves to such noble traits. His late brilliant 
exploit — the capture of Brigadier-General Stoughton, United 
States army, two captains, 30 other prisoners, together with 
arms, equipments, and 58 horses, justifies this recognition 
in general orders. The feat, unparalleled in the war, was 
performed in the midst of the enemy's troops at Fairfax 
Courthouse without loss or injury. The gallant band of Cap- 
tain Mosby share the glory as they did the danger of this 
enterprise, and are worthy of such a leader. 

J. E. B. Stuart, 
Major-General Commanding. 

A short time after this adventure, Mosby received the fol- 
lowing : 

Army of Northern Virginia, 

March 23, 1863. 
Captain John S. Mosby : 

Captain, — You will perceive from the copy of the order 
herewith inclosed, that the President has appointed you 
Captain of Partisan Rangers. The General commanding 
directs me to say that you proceed at once to organize your 
company, with the understanding that it be placed on a foot- 
ing with all troops of the line, and to be mustered uncondi- 
tionally into the Confederate service for and during the war. 
Though you are to be its captain, the men will have the privi- 
lege of electing the lieutenants, so soon as its numbers reach 
the legal standard. You will report your progress from time 
to time, and when the requisite number of men are enrolled, 
an ol^cer will be designated to muster the company into 
service. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

W. H. Taylor, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 20th of March, General Stuart writes: 

Dear Captain: I inclose your evidence of appointment by 
the President in the Provisional Army of the Confederate 
States. You will perceive by General's Lee accompanying 
instructions, that you will be continued in your present sphere 



Sl8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

of conduct and enterprise, and already a captain, you will 
proceed to organize a band of permanent followers for the 
war, but by all means ignore the term " Partisan Rangers." 
It is in bad repute. Call your men " Mosby's Regulars," and 
it will give a tone and meaning and solid worth which all the 
world will soon recognize, and you will inscribe that name of 
a fearless band of heroes on the pages of our country's history 
and enshrine it in the hearts of a grateful people. Let 
" Mosby's Regulars " be a name of pride with friends and 
respectful trepidation with enemies. 

You will have to be very much on your guard against in- 
corporating into your command deserters from other 
branches of the service. Insist on the most unequivocal 
evidence of honorable discharge in all cases. Non-conscripts 
under and over age will be very advantageous. Their entry 
into service must be unconditional, excepting that you are 
their captain, and their lieutenants to be chosen by the men, 
provided no nnzcorfJiy man be chosen. As there is no time 
within which you are required to raise this command, you 
ought to be very fastidious in choosing your men, and make 
them stand the test of battle and temptation to neglect duty, 
before acceptance. 

I was greatly obliged to you for the saddle of Stoughton. 
I wish you w-ould send me whatever evidence you may be 
able to furnish of Miss Ford's innocence of the charge of 
having guided you in your exploit at Fairfax, so that I can 
insist upon unconditional release. 

Be vigilant about your owai safety, and do not have any 
established headquarters anywhere but " in the saddle." 

I hope Mrs. Mosby reached you in safety. My regards to 
her, if still with you. Your praise is on every lip, and the 
compliment the President has paid you is as marked as it is 
deserved. Very truly yours, 

J. E. B. Stuart. 

The name '' Mosby's Regulars " did not long adhere to 
the command, but was soon supplanted by friend and foe 
with that more descriptive and more popular name, " Mosby's 
Men." Stuart's advice was taken and the men were chosen 
by Mosby after satisfactory trial, and were principally young 
unmarried men. They had no tents, or baggage, or commis- 
sary wagons, but had homes within Mosby's Confederacy, 




Moses Trussell. 



J20 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

which comprised the comities of Fauquier and Loudoun, and 
used these homes, as the foxes do their dens, as places of 
abode in hours of safety, and to be avoided in hours of danger. 
The command met by appointment or summons, and went 
off on forays into the enemy's camps, and, returning, divided 
the spoils and dispersed among their abodes: 

" Then sweet the hour that brings release 

From danger and from toil, 
"We talk the battle over 

And share the battle spoil; 
Ihe woodland rings with laugh and shout. 

As if a hunt were up. 
And woodland flowers are gathered 

To crown the soldier's cup, 
With merry songs we mock the wind 

That in the tree-top grieves. 
And slumber long and sweetly 

On beds of oaken leaves." 

When not on duty the men enjoyed various diversions — 
horse-races, card-parties, and dances principally. The belles 
of Virginia were abundant and beaux were plentiful. The 
danger that surrounded them gave zest and piquai.cy to their 
sports and frolics. 

There was not an unmarried man in Mosby's Confederacy 
who did not have one sweetheart at least, and some had more 
than their share. The religious side of the men was some- 
what neglected. The command possessed a chaplain in 
name, but fear the chaplain's practices, if not his tenets, 
tended more towards the broad than the straight and narrow 
way. He was generally found among the gay and festive, 
dancing to the tune of " Sugar in the Gourd," or, "All 
Around the Chicken Roost," or, around the gaming-table, 
shouting, " High, low, jack and the game," or, at the race 
betting on the " grey mare." But there were many pious men 
among " Mosby's Men," whose noble examples did much 
towards leavening the whole lump, and who to-day stand in 
the foremost ranks of the Christian ministry. The men were 
not paid by the Confederate Government, but were allowed 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ^21 

all captures, and on these they maintained themselves and 
fared sumptuously. These spoils were generously shared 
with the home-folks of our shebang's and our chief circulating 
medium w-as " booty and greenbacks.'' 

My home w'as chosen about two miles south of Hillsboro, 
at the eastern foot of the Blue Ridge, on the western border 
of the Mosby Confederacy, with this mountain and the Shen- 
andoah river on its western side as barriers from attack in 
that quarter. In this rural retreat, I was never disturbed by 
the Yankees, and heartily enjoyed the sumptuous entertain- 
ment and quiet repose found there. I was in every respect as 
snug as I could w^ish, and looked forward w'ith many hopes 
and aspirations to my new sphere of action. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Farewell, fallen brothers, though this life be o'er, 
There's another, in which we shall meet you once more. 

Scliillcr. 

Soldier, rest; thy warfare o'er, 

Sleep the sleep that knows no waking. 

Dream of battle-fields no more. 
Days of sighing, nights of waking, 

Morn of toil or eve of breaking. 

Scott. 

On April 8, 1865, Mosby's command, pursuant to orders, 
met at Upperville, and Companies D and H were ordered on 
a scout down in Fairfax county. Captain Glasscock, of Com- 
pany D, being my senior, the command of the squadron and 
the responsibility of the venture devolved upon him. This 
was a great relief to me. My ambition was to excel in the 
performance of duty rather than to aspire to be a leader 
among men. While the men shared equally with the leader 
in the glory of a victory, the leader alone must bear the shame 
and ignominy of defeat. It was especially pleasing on this 
occasion to have another lift this burden from my shoulders, 
as the expedition was bound to a strange part of the country, 
and its aim and object, as well as a great majority of the com- 
mand, were unknown to me. 

The march was made to Salem (now Marshall) on the 8th, 
and the squadron was disbanded, with instructions to meet 
on the next day at the Plains. Rest and refreshment were 
found by me at the hospitable mansion " Waveland," where 
pleasure and enjoyment could always be found with the hosts 
of young company usually found there. 

The command assembled on the 9th at the appointed time 
and place, and there I learned, to my great regret and sur- 
prise, from a note received from Captain Glasscock, that he 
would be unable to accompany us on account of his wedding, 
[322] 



Ihill Run to Bull Riiit. 



323 



which wonld take ])lace in a few days. The command thus 
de\t)I\ed upon me. It was an honor httle coveted, but one 
from which I could not shriid<. \\ I liad l)een given a little 
more time. 1 might have found myself in an equally excu.sable 
situaiion. Having- acquainted myself with the destination 
of our expedition and our guides, I moved off across Bull 
Run mountains, not without some misgi\ings, and camped 
that night at a place called iVrundels, a short distance from 
Fairfax Station. The rain was falling in torrents, and our 
pre])arations were not made for such weather. About the 
middle of the night one of our ofificers, familiar with the coun- 
try and the people, informed me that a house full of young 
ladies was close by, and proposed that 1 should go with him. 
find shelter, and a pleasant visit. Such a tempting solicita- 
tion could not be resisted. On reaching the house, I found 
quite a lot of our men had preceded me, and were in posses- 
sion of the premises and the ladies, having a hilarious time. 
1 soon felt that the entertainment and the ladies were not 
congenial, and having fully informed myself of the situation 
and proximity of the enemy, returned to our camp in the 
woods, full of suspicion of the loyalty of our hostess. Fear- 
ing a surprise, I passed the remainder of the night in suspense 
and trepidation, and gladly hailed the morning light. At day- 
break the squadron was mounted and moved in the direction 
of Burke's Station, trusting our presence had not yet become 
known to the enemy. But it seems the bird had flown, the 
Yankees had been apprised of our number, whereabouts 
and destination. As we approached Burke's Station, we 
found the mule teams, the object of our raid. gone, our 
scheme and enterprise frustrated, and the enemy preparing 
for us a warm reception. Seeing that the expedition was 
fruitless, we began to retrace our steps and reached Arundels, 
Lieutenant Carter being in the rear with some twenty men 
to prevent surprise. Just as the head of the column passed 
the Arundels house and Fairfax Station road, our men were 
assailed in the rear, and the rear-guard forced into our 



$24 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

column, creating some consternation and confusion. The 
squadron was quickly faced about, and the enemy's charge 
repulsed. But their reinforcements coming up at this time, 
our men were brought to bay and victory lingered in doubt. 
Assured that a bold dash would save us, I endeavored to 
urge our men to charge, but they had now become somewhat 
dispirited and disorganized, and all attempts in that direction 
were futile. In this effort I was ably assisted by some of the 
officers and men of the command. In a short time our line 
began to waver and break, and retreat was inevitable. About 
two hundred yards south of Arundels was an open space of 
ground favorable for cavalry movements. Here I proposed 
to make a stand, and had succeeded in rallying about 50 men, 
but when the enemy approached and opened fire they gave 
way and joined in the retreat. The pursuit lasted until the 
Occoquan w'as crossed at Wolf Run Shoals, and it is there 
that Lieutenant Wiltshire claims the honor of having fired the 
last shot of the war. I was much mortified at the result of this 
fight, but felt I had done my best to avoid it. In this engage- 
ment my horse was shot in the nostrils and foreleg and nearly 
succeeded in unhorsing me. Company D in this fight num- 
bered about 75 men, and Company H, about 40 men. Oppos- 
ing us were Companies G, H, and K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, 
under Colonel Albright, about 250 men. The loss on each 
side was nearly equal, as will be seen from the Federal account. 

April 10, 1865. 
General Gamble : 

I have just come into camp from a fight with a battalion 
of Mosby's men, under command of Captain Baylor. I 
whipped him like thunder, and captured a number of horses 
and some provisions. Had a few men wounded and a half- 
dozen horses killed. Will send a full account at an early hour. 
Charles Albright, Colonel. 

Colonel Albright may have captured a couple of horses, but 
where he found those provisions I cannot imagine, as Mosby's 
men had no wagons, or even haversacks. They usually car- 



Bull Run to Bull Run. j^5 

ried their proxisions in their stomachs, and not much there on 
this occasion, as we were without breakfast that morning. 
The Colonel possessed as keen a perception as the old darkey 
who saw provisions in the Constitution. 

During- the day, the Colonel gives his full report of the 
figiit, ill which the proz'isioiis are not mentioned : 

Fairfax Station, April lo, 1865. 
I have the honor to report that this morning 1 received 
information through a source I considered reliable, that a 
force of rebel cavalry was south of this post, moving towards 
Burke's Station, for the purpose of capturing teams at work 
there. I immediately ordered out all the cavalry I ha\-e under 
my command, and started in the direction indicated. About 
three miles from here I came upon the trail of the enemy and 
followed it towards Burke's Station, in the neighborhood of 
which place some shots were exchanged between the enemy 
and a detachment of Company K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
The rebels upon being discovered beat back into the woods, 
and upon my recovery of the trail again, followed, taking with 
me Lieutenant Hupp's command. At Arundels I discovered 
them formed into line, and behind the house, barn, and fence. 
I ordered my men into line as rapidly as I could, advanced 
and opened fire. The rebels soon broke and I charged, after 
them. We drove them to Wolf Run Shoals, and saw their 
rear cross. I did not deem it prudent to follow any farther, 
as our horses were pretty well exhausted, and the column 
pretty well scattered along the road. The enemy's force was 
a battalion of Mosby's command, Companies D and H, Cap- 
tain Baylor in command. Captain Briscoe was in command 
of Company D, numbering altogether about 150 men. They 
had started from Upperville on Saturday morning last. The 
casualties are as follows: Company G, two men slightly 
wounded, three horses killed and three wounded; Company 
H, one horse killed: Company K, one horse killed and one 
wounded. Richard McVey, wounded seriously; Edward 
Heflebower, Thomas H. Harvey. Engineer Bureau; Lieu- 
tenant Company F, Sixth Missouri; First Sergeant David G. 
Mohler. Company H. and Samuel Rodgers; six horses cap- 
tured and six or eight horses killed; seven complete sets of 
horse equipments. I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry 
of Captain Warner. Lieutenants Brooks and Hufif. and also 



326 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

of their men. It is also my duty to add that the information 
was brought me from Arundels, a heretofore suspected rebel 
family. Shall I send the prisoners over? 

Charles Albright, Colonel. 

From this report it seems my suspicions about the Arundel 
family were well founded and the failure of the expedition 
must be laid at the door of our unfaithful friends. The 
enemy seems to have confounded our squadron with the 
detachment of Mosby's command under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Chapman, which had been wintering in the Northern Neck. 

Fairfax Courthouse, Va., April lo, 1865. 

Lieutenant-Colonel L H. Taylor, 

Chief of Staff, Department of Washington: 
Colonel, — The detachment of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, 
which went out this morning, as previously reported, from 
Fairfax Station, met Mosby's Battalion, from the Northern 
Neck, under Captain Baylor, and, as usual, whipped it like 
the devil. The Eighth captured a number of horses and 
some prisoners. Had a few men wounded and a half-dozen 
horses killed. A detailed report will be made as soon as 
practicable. William Gamble, 

Colonel Commanding Brigade. 

General Augur then inquires: 

Headquarters Department of Washington, 

Twenty-second Army Corps, 
Washington, D. C, April 10, 1865. 
General Gamble, 

Commanding Fairfax Courthouse : 
Please inform me if the rebels under Captain Baylor that 
your men fought to-day are a part of Major Chapman's com- 
mand in the Northern Neck; and, if so, learn where Chapman 
is with the remainder of his command. Answer by 9 o'clock 
to-morrow morning. 

C. C. Augur, Major-General. 

Colonel Gamble seems to think that he had whipped 
Mosby's men, as usual, like the devil. If he had ever accom- 
plished that feat before, it is not recorded in sacred or pro- 




Thos. W. Timberlake. 



3^8 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

fane Yankee history, and if the critic wiH carefuhy review the 
reports from the Colonel himself, the advantage of this 
occasion will appear exceedingly small, hardly exceeding 
what Lord Coke would call molliter manus im possuit. Colonel 
Albright, in his report, admits his loss as two men wounded, 
five horses killed and four wounded, while he only claims 
to have inflicted on us a loss of one man wounded, five 
prisoners, six horses killed and six captured. I hope the 
devil will never whip him any worse. Our squadron was 
no part of Colonel Chapman's command, and, unlike Colonel 
Albright's force, far away from any support or base of sup- 
plies. If there is any glory in this engagement, our Yankee 
friends are welcome to it. This was the last fight of the war. 
General Lee had surrendered on the 9th, but the fact was 
only known to us through hostile sources, which were not 
credited. It was a strange coincidence that my first and last 
fights were near the same ground. On July 21, 1861, as a 
private in the Botts Greys, Second Virginia Infantry, Jack- 
son's Brigade, I had received my baptism of fire on the banks 
of Bull Run, and now near the same spot, well-nigh four 
years afterward, I had fired my last shot. 

From Bull Run to Bull Run! What a tragedy! What 
trials, hardships, suffering and death strewed the way, and 
now gloom and despair cover all. Jackson, who had taught 
our hands to war and had strewn his path with victory, was 
dead. Stuart the cavalier, Ashby the knight, and Jones the 
stubborn soldier, with a host of brave and heroic men, had 
fallen in the conflict, and now Lee, the last hope of the 
soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia, had surrendered. 
We could not even find courage in despair. All was lost, 
and the future seemed without aim or object. Death and 
the grave alone appeared inviting. But there was grandeur 
in the retrospect. 

During this memorable period, it was my proud fortune to 
have seen service under the illustrious trio of generals — Jack- 
son, Stuart, and Robert E. Lee. I have ever reo-arded the first 



Bull Run to Bull Run. j^p 

as the thnnderbolt of the conflict and acknowledge myself 
somewhat imbued with the sentiment and spirit of the good 
old Catholic priest, who in his prayer said, "Lord, when in Thy 
wise counsels it was decreed that our Southern cause should 
be lost. Thou didst see that it was necessary to remove Thy 
servant Stonewall Jackson." I remember him in the early 
days of the war, when few had seen more than mediocrity 
in the man, and was with him on the memorable battle-field 
of First Manassas, when he emerged from obscurity, dropped 
the humble name of his past life, and became the immortal 
" Stonewall." Danger and peril seemd not only to arouse his 
energies, but his intellect as well. On the battle-field his 
mind seemed on lire and \\orked with so much clearness and 
rapidity that he appeared a veritable battle-god. In my 
humble judgment he was the man for the times, and the only 
one produced by the war on our side that possessed those 
traits of character essential to our success. The situation in 
1776 and 1 861 were entirely different. In the first period our 
opponents were far removed from the base of operations, and 
transportation was slow and dangerous. The Fabian policy 
was then the true one, and our enemies were worn out by a 
long and protracted war. But in our civil conflict our adver- 
saries were at our doors, just far enough removed to render 
their base of supplies safe. Our ports of entry were closed 
and our home supply for a protracted war was totally insufii- 
cient. To insure success and our discomfiture, our enemy 
needed only tenacity of purpose, and this qualification was 
possessed in an eminent degree by General Grant. The date 
of his assignment to the command of the Army of the 
Potomac determined our fate. The brave legions of Lee, 
victors on so many fields, must yield to the unceasing and 
untiring blows of Grant, aided and assisted by hunger and 
famine. Without means of recuperation, the war was only 
a question of time. A vigorous pursuit after the decisive 
battle of First Manassas might have produced a favorable 
result, and Jackson alone favored pursuit, and exclaimed, 



jjo B'!'! Run to Bull Run. 

" Give me 10,000 men and I will be in Washington to-night." 
The men were there in readiness, but no leader to grasp the 
situation, and the golden opportunity was lost. The Roman 
Legions, after many defeats and after Hannibal had knocked 
at the gates of the imperial city, learned the folly of their war 
policy and triumphantly exclaimed, " Carthago delenda est." 
GeneVal Lee wrote of Jackson just after his death at Chancel- 
lorsville : 

" I do not propose to speak here of the character of this 
illustrious man, since removed from the scene of his eminent 
usefulness by the hand of an inscrutable, but all-wise Provi- 
dence. I nevertheless desire to pay the tribute of my admira- 
tion to the matchless energy and skill that marked this last 
act of his life, forming, as it did, a worthy conclusion of that 
long series of splendid achievements which won for him the 
lasting gratitude and love of his country." 

General Stuart was the Paladin of General Lee's army. 
Where his black plume waved, death and destruction fol- 
lowed in its wake. He was the embodiment of chivalry, brave 
and daring in encounter, and mild and gentle in the bivouac. 

" So sweetly fierce, that when his face is shown 
You deem him love, but Mars when helmed and steeled, 
He mounts his fiery barb and fulmined through the field." 

Lie flashed across the horizon of war, and, meteor-like, 
disappeared in the brightness of his own glory. " Blessed 
are they who die in their youth, when their martial deeds are 
around them." 

General Lee writes of him : 

"Among the gallant soldiers who have fallen in this war^ 
General Stuart was second to none in valor, in zeal, and in 
unflinching devotion to his country. His achievements form 
a conspicuous part of the history of this army, with which 
his name and services will be forever associated. To military 
capacity of a high order and to the nobler virtues of the 



Bull Run to Bull Run. ;ji 

soldier, he added the brighter graces of a pure life, guided 
and sustained by the Christian's faith and hope. The 
mysterious hand of an all-wise God has removed him from 
the scene of his usefulness and fame. His grateful country- 
men will mourn his loss and cherish his memory. To his 
con;rades in arms he has left the proud recollection of his 
deeds and the inspiring influence of his example." 

None felt more decpl\' than General Lee the loss of his 
illustrious lieutenants, but he held bravely on, and struggled 
manfully and heroically against inevitable fate. 

Robert E. Lee! " Behold the man." 

" Supremacy is thrown 
Upon his forehead like a shining star, 
And every eye is fixed on him alone." 

He was the most complete man of all times, all occasions, 
and all ages. His life has been and will ever be a benediction 
to his race. His escutcheon is spotless, his fame as eternal 
as the ages, and his character will be impressed upon genera- 
tions yet unborn. When the passions and animosities of that 
war are totally dissipated, and his life and character are 
calmly and dispassionately examined and studied, the univer- 
sal verdict will assign him the highest niche in the temple of 
fa. me. 

A member of Company B. now an eminent lawyer at 
Staunton, relates the following incident of his war experience 
illustrative of the character of our commanding General : 

" Before the spring campaign of 1864 had opened, the 
headquarters of General Lee were with his infantry lines 
(about Orange Courthouse), then fronting the forces of 
Meade along the Rapidan. with no movement to indicate 
any purpose of a general advance, reported from cavalry 
headquarters,- a mile or so away, and no reason for expecting 
it: the main body of our troops were taking life very easy 
in such winter quarters as they found or improvised, foraging 



33^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

by day and frolicking- and ' flanking ' by night, without 
much enforcement of discipHne or readiness for more serious 
work in their scattered encampments. 

" One of General Stuart's special detail of scouts, who was 
operating for the Department of Secret Service in the 
enemy's lines, along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, in the 
lower Valley, took it into his head about this time of leisure, 
to go home to see — a sister. Whose sister is not material to 
the story. His home was at Charlestown; that historical 
villag-e which was quite in the habit of changing hands be- 
tween the Federals and Confederates more than once in the 
day, but was never known to change its Confederate princi- 
ples or sympathies. At this time it was blue enough, with a 
brigade of Pennsylvania infantry in undisturbed but vigilant 
possession, and the staff quartered within musket-shot of the 
house. So the visitor had to leave * Old Stockinglegs ' in 
friendly hiding, and do some travelling on all fours to reach 
the cover of the old roof-tree. And being unlucky enough 
withal to stir up a hornet's nest of pickets, he was not only 
cut off from his horse, but unable for two days either to get 
away or to see that sister, except through shutter cracks, on 
an unsuccessful parley between her and the ' Corporal of the 
Guard, post No. 3.' 

" It was the day then of hoops, not crinoline, and the lady 
in the case had, under that sanctum, an elegant pair of 
cavalry boots, grey cloth for a uniform, New York and 
Washington papers for him, and letters galore for the boys 
in camp. She was postmistress. She got in. tired and tear- 
ful, after dusk, having by some feminine inspiration flanked 
that picket by the railroad cut below. The newspapers 
hinted at some important movement on foot among the 
80,000 troops under Grant about Lookout Mountain and 
Missionary Ridge, in Tennessee. The scout crawled out that 
night between posts, and faithful old John, one of a dozen 
negroes, big and little, who had been helping to hide him 
and lying to the Yankees, brought him a little runt of a 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



333 



Canadian pony, which had been concealed, and at odd times 
fed, in a dark cellar, and so he made his way to the hills over- 
looking Harper's Ferry. There he was met, by appointment, 
by a citizen friend (Eichelberger) with more Northern news- 
papers; and while they talked, long trains began to pass 
from the west without stopping at the Ferry, and in such 
quick succession that curiosity took them closer. Over a 
dozen trains loaded with troops and artillery carried explana- 
tion enough to the scout of a sudden movement from the 
Army of the West, then fronting Bragg, to reinforce Meade 
for an assault upon the unprepared troops of Lee, in their 
scattered winter quarters. And suspicion thus confirmed, 
it was not very long before that pony was twenty miles away, 
swimming the Shenandoah for the Loudoun side at Snicker's 
Ferry. Swollen as it was by the rains, horse and rider were 
carried down by the current and reached the other bank 
drenched and exhausted. Yet that little Canadian held out, 
at an almost unbroken lope, for some twenty miles or more, 
with one hurried feed on a pavement at ' Little Washington,' 
in Rappahannock, then collapsed and died, while the saddle 
was being buckled on a fresher horse impressed from a farmer 
by the roadside. 

" Somehow or other, and like some long nightmare, those 
eighty-live miles and more were covered, report made to 
General Stuart, the scout sent on without a moment's delay 
to General Lee, and almost as quickly admitted to his tent, 
the simple headquarters establishment of the Army of 
Northern Virginia. There he was received and seated with 
as much dignified politeness as if the boy private had been a 
corps commander. And in less than ten minutes the General 
knew about all there was in him, or in his newspapers, and 
had left the tent. What followed was a blank, for perhaps two 
hours, the last words heard being rapid directions to a stafT 
officer for the movement and concentration of some infantry 
brigades. He awoke, as he had awaked more than once on 
that uncanny ride, with the sensation that his horse was about 



jj^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

to carry him over the brink of a precipice, immediately in 
front. He was somewhat done up by loss of rest at the start, 
and the ride had almost finished him, physically and mentally. 
The torture from want of sleep had been something inde- 
scribable. All sorts of outlandish phantasms and vagaries 
had attended it. Men would be cantering alongside and get- 
ting in his way, but they were ghosts to the touch. He could 
see Meade's men in blue silently moving to a midnight 
attack. Fantastic forms were all about. River and mountain 
and forest were blended confusedly. His mind had been 
acting and yet hardly conscious of its action much of the 
time, and the body acted mechanically. As he tried to realize 
where he was, the tent-fly was softly opened and the noble 
head of General Lee appeared. After pleasant greeting it 
turned out that upon his leaving, the tired boy had sunk 
forward from the camp chair upon the General's cot in a 
dead sleep. The owner returning-, had thrown a cloak over 
him, left him in quiet possession, tied the tapes of the tent 
door, and practically stood guard by walking up and down 
between the tent and the camp-fire, in the bleak wintry night, 
that the youngster might sleep without disturbance, as 
couriers came and went." 

To speak of that 3^oungster as ashamed would poorly 
express his feelings, and it was even more embarrassing to 
have a special supper served to him in the General's tent, and 
to be honored by compliment on what he had done. As for 
the supper, it was the same plain and scanty repast he saw 
several times afterward at the General's mess-table, and (with 
the addition of red pepper and mustard) just what was being 
issued to his men in the ranks, for he would accept no 
luxuries. But the ration was garnished always with the 
grace of his dignified courtesy. 

Was it any wonder that his men loved " Marse Bob"? 
What other commander of an army at such a time would 
have shown such delicate consideration for an unknown 
soldier? 




Philip Terrill. 



33<^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

Sure enough, the purpose was a brisk attack upon Lee's 
Unes, resting in the fancied security of their winter quarters. 
Meade was to drive a wedge between his widely-separated 
wings as the beginning of an " on to Richmond " movement. 
. But Meade's blow was not delivered. Forewarned was 
forearmed. His stealthy advance, in heavy columns, found 
Lee waiting for it in strong intrenchments behind Mine Run, 
" ready and willin' " for a light. Our artillery had been 
brought up from the grazing camps to the fighting line, and 
every gunner was ready to take his place. The Federal gen- 
erals were the only people " surprised." Instead of assault- 
ing, Meade went to intrenching on his own account. He is 
said to have declared that he could carry that position with 
a loss of 30,000 men, but as that idea was frightful, there 
seemed nothing to do but retire to his old ground. And 
retire he did. The armies confronted each other for four 
days, at some points less than half a mile apart, and separted 
without closing for the struggle, Meade finally backing out 
the night before Lee had arranged to attack him, and retreat- 
ing to the Rapidan. The dawn showed only his deserted 
, camp-fires. The episode indicates how fully, at all points, 
the rounded character of our great leader answered the 
question. What it is to be a gentleman. " To be gentle as 
well as to be honest, to be generous, to be brave, to be wise, 
and, possessing all these qualities, to exercise them in the 
most graceful outward manner." 

Senator Hill, in his grand eulogy on Lee, has not over- 
drawn the picture, when he says : 

" He was a foe without hate, a friend without treachery, 
a soldier without cruelty, and a victim without murmuring. 
He was a public officer without vices, a private citizen with- 
out wrong, a neighbor without reproach, a Christian without 
hypocrisy, and a man without guilt.* He was Caesar without 
his ambition, Frederick without his tyranny, Napoleon with- 
out his selfishness, and Washington without his reward. He 



Bull Run to Bull Run. jjpr 

was as obedient to authority as a servant and royal in 
authority as a king. He was gentle as a woman in life, pure 
and modest as a virgin in thought, watchful as a Roman 
vestal, submissive to law as Socrates, and grand in battle as 
Achilles." 

Let the soldiers of Grant and Sherman wear the victor's 
crown and long enjoy the rich reward of their toil and 
danger. Envy them not, Confederate soldiers, so great a 
prize. On his death-bed General Jackson said : " The men 
who live through this war will be proud to say to their chil- 
dren, I was one of the Stonewall Brigade," but prouder; yes, 
prouder still, to say they fought under the furled banners of 
those peerless Christian soldiers Jackson, Stuart, and Robert 
E. Lee. This is glory and honor enough for the Confederate 
soldier. 

After the little scrimmage down in Fairfax we returned 
with Companies D and H to Mosby's Confederacy, reaching 
there' on the nth, and on the next day reporting to the 
Colonel the failure of our expedition; we found him so 
deeply interested and absorbed in the news of Lee's sur- 
render, received through a letter from General Hancock, that 
our mishap made little impression upon him. The letter was 
as follows : 

Headquarters Middle Military Division, 

April II, 1865. 
Colonel John Mosby, 

Commanding Partisans : 

Colonel, — I am directed by Major-General Hancock to 
inclose to you copies of letters which passed between Gen- 
erals Grant and Lee on the occasion of the surrender of the 
Army of Northern Virginia. Major-General Hancock is 
authorized to receive the surrender of the forces under your 
command on the same conditions offered to General Lee, and 
will send an officer of equal rank with yourself to meet you 
at any point and time you may designate convenient to the 
22 



JJ<? Bull Run to Bull Run. 

lines for the purpose of arranging details, should you con- 
clude to be governed by the example of General Lee. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

C. H. Morgan, 
Brevet Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. 

After the reception of this communication, Colonel Mosby 
took time to consider and consult, and on the 15th replied: 

April 15, 1865. 
Major-General VV. S. Hancock, 
Commanding, &c. : 
General, — I am in receipt of a letter from your Chief of 
Staff, Brigadier-General Morgan, inclosing copies of corre- 
spondence between Generals Grant and Lee, and informing 
me that you would appoint an ofificer of equal rank as myself 
to arrange details for the surrender of the forces under my 
command. As yet I have no notice through any other source 
of the facts concerning the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, nor, in my opinion, has the emergency 
yet arisen which would justify the surrender of my command. 
With no disposition, however, to cause the useless effusion of 
blood, or to inflict on a war-worn population any unneces- 
sary distress, I am ready to agree to a suspension of hostilities 
for a short time in order to enable me to communicate with 
my own authorities, or until I can obtain sufficient intelli- 
gence to determine my future action. Should you accede to 
this proposition, I am ready to meet any person you may 
designate to arrange the terms of an armistice. 

I am, very respectfully, your ol^edient servant, 

John S. Mosby, 
Colonel C. S. Army. 

A very proper answer, and one that shows Colonel Mosby's 
level-headedness in great peril. There was no occasion to 
rush headlong into surrender when no force was impelling 
such a step, and in ignorance of any definite information from 
Confederate authorities as to the present situation of the 
war. A surrender at this time would appear cowardly to the 
soldiers of his command and serve to bring him in contempt 
with his enemies. 



/)'//// I\iiii to Bull Run. jjp 

General Hancock agreed on the suspension of hostilities 
and arranged for General Chapman to meet Colonel Mosby 
at Millwood, on the i8th instant, at 12 M., with instructions 
to arrange the surrender of his command or receive his defi- 
nite declination. It will be seen by referring to the closing 
sentence of Colonel Alosby's letter that the meeting was for 
the purpose of arranging the terms of an armistice. 

On the 1 8th, Colonel Mosby, with an escort, including 
myself, repaired to Millwood, where General Chapman and 
his escort were met and matters discussed. Colonel Mosby 
declining to discuss the question of surrender, as the object 
of the meeting, as shown in his letter of the 15th, was to 
arrange an armistice, while General Chapman contended 
that under his instructions he could only treat as to surrender. 
Colonel Mosby, as will be seen by the following communica- 
tion, carried his point : 

Headquarters Second Cavalry Division, , 

Near Berryville, Va., April 18, 1865. 

Brevet Brigadier-General Morgan, 

Chief of Staff, Winchester, Va. : 
General, — I have the honor to report that, agreeable to 
instructions, I met Colonel John S. Mosby, Confederate 
States army, commanding Forty-third Virginia Battalion, 
to-day at Millwood, under a flag of truce, to confer with him 
touching the surrender of his command and to conclude the 
details, should he have decided to surrender under the terms 
offered him. He declined to surrender at this time, for the 
reason that his command was not in immediate danger, and 
that he had not such information as yet as would justify him 
in concluding the ' Confederate Cause ' altogether hopeless. 
He expressed himself as anxious to avoid any useless effusion 
of blood or destruction of property, and desirous, therefore, 
of a suspension of hostilities for a short time until he could 
learn the fate of ' Johnston's army.' Should that be defeated, 
or surrendered, he said he should regard the ' Confederate 
Cause ' as lost, and would disband his organization. • He 
does not propose even in that event to surrender them as an 
-organization for parole, but to disband the battalion, giving 



5^0 Bull Rim to Bull Run. 

to each individual to choose his own course. He informed 
me he had already advised his command that those who chose 
to do so could come and give their parole. For himself he 
said he had no favors to ask, being quite willing to stand by 
his acts, all of which he believed to be justifiable, and in the 
course of my conversation with him, he remarked that he 
did not expect to remain in the country. I made an agree- 
ment with him for a suspension of hostilities for forty-eight 
hours longer, expiring at noon on the 20th, and a conditional 
agreement for a further suspension for ten days. These 
agreements are herewith inclosed, and I will inform Colonel 
Mosby of the action of the General commanding so soon as 
advised. I did not give him to hope that this agreement for 
a ten-days' suspension would be concurred in. I regret that 
I have not the pleasure of communicating the surrender of 
this force, but trust my actions in the premises will meet 
approval. The interview throughout was characterized by 
good feeling. Perhaps I ought, in justice to Colonel Mosby 
and his officers, to state an universal regret was expressed 
because of the assassination of the President. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

George H. Chapman, Brigadier-General. 

This arrangement was communicated by General Hancock 
to General Halleck for instructions, and the following from 
General Grant returned : 

Washington, April 19, 1865. 
Major-General Hancock, Winchester: 

If Mosby does not avail himself of the present truce, end it 
and hunt him and his men down. Guerrillas, after beating 
the armies of the enemy, will not be entitled to quarter. 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. 

In accordance with this instruction from Grant, the truce 
was ended at noon on the 20th, and on the following day the 
command met by orders at Salem (now Marshall). There 
was a full attendance, eight companies, numbering about 600 
men. It was a splendid body of cavalry — young, active, well 
dressed, with gay trappings and fine horses, each man armed 
with two pistols and many with four. The men being drawn 
up in line, the following address was read to them : 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 5^/ 

Fauquier, April 21, 1865. 
Soldiers, — I have summoned you together for the last time. 
The vision that we have cherished of a free and independent 
country has vanished, and that country is now the spoil 
of the conqueror. I disband your organization in prefer- 
ence to surrendering it to our enemies. 1 am no longer 
your commander. After an association of more than two 
eventful years, I part from you with a just pride in the fame 
of your achievements and grateful recollections of your 
generous kindness to myself. And now at this moment, in 
bidding you a final adieu, accept the assurance of my un- 
changing confidence and regards. Farewell. 

J. S. MosBY, Colonel. 

There were few dry eyes among the men as they pressed 
around their chieftain and bade him adieu, and the parting 
was dramatic in the extreme. Colonel Mosby, with some 50 
followers (myself included), started South to join Johnston, 
but Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman, with the greater part of 
the men surrendered to Hancock, and Chapman's great haste 
in this matter has caused a reflection on his name which I do 
not believe he deserves. It is contained in the following: 

Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War : 
Nearly all of Mosby's command has surrendered, including 
nearly or quite all of the officers except Mosby himself, who 
has probably fled. His next in rank, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Chapman, surrendered with the command. He is as impor- 
tant as Mosby, and from conversation had zvith him I think he 
zvill be valuable to the government hereafter. Some of Mosby's 
own men are in pursuit of him for a rezvard of $2,000, offered 
by me. As near as I can tell, about 380 of Mosby's men are 
paroled. Winfield S. Hancock, 

Major-General. 

I do not believe there was a man in Mosby's connuand, 
possessed of courage sufficient for such an enterprise, who 
would have been guilty of such an infamous and damnable 
deed. Mosby's guard, too, w^ere true and tried men. and 
w^ould have shielded him to the last extremity. 



5^<? Bull Run to Bull Run. 

On the 28th, Hancock's adjutant wires General Torbert: 
" The General wishes you to hunt up Mosby. If more money 
is needed it can be had," and on May 3d again wires him to 
offer $5,000 reward for him. 

Finding that these threats and rewards were unavailing, 
that Northern gold could neither tempt Southern honor nor 
soil Southern valor, a more pacific policy was tried. Brave 
men are more easily won by kindness than by force, and 
Mosby and his men were offered the same terms as General 
Lee's army, and as General Johnston had now surrendered, 
recognizing the futility of further resistance, we gladly 
availed ourselves of the offer. On the 8th of May, in com- 
pany with my friends, Dr. and Captain Opie (the latter of 
whom, just before entering Winchester, had offered to fight 
the whole of Duvall's Brigade, one at a time). Majors Locke 
and Harrison, rode into Winchester and signed the following 
parole : 

Headquarters Army of the Shenandoah, 

Winchester, May 8, 1865. 
I, George Baylor, captain Company H, Mosby's Battalion, 
C. S. Army, do hereby give this my parole of honor that I 
will not take up arms against the United States Government 
until I am regularly exchanged, and that if I am permitted to 
remain at my home, I will conduct myself as a good and 
peaceable citizen, and will respect the laws in force where I 
reside, and do nothing in detriment of or in opposition to the 
United States Government. George Baylor. 

Since then no cartel of exchange has been agreed on, and I 
have not been regularly exchanged, and shall not take up 
arms again if I am. I am tired of that business, and there 
need be no fear or apprehension on my account. If any 
portion of that parole was ever violated, it is the clause which 
says: " I will respect the laws in force where I reside." As 
is well known, the laws in force here were so abominable that 
one could scarcely obey, much less respect them. It must 
have been a trving ordeal for the victors to lav down their 



Jno. U. Terrell. 



^44 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

arms and return to the peaceful pursuits of life, for the 
transition is not easy, but to the vanquished it was nigh unto 
death. The great conflict ended, the warfare over, my occu- 
pation was gone, and I sank into rustic simplicity and civic 
obscurity, and soon became, like Ichabod Grover, the 
Lethean shade of " innocuous desuetude." 

I cannot conclude this narrative of the closing scenes of 
that eventful war without paying a tribute to that great and 
silent friend, which ever stood with open gates ready to 
receive and protect us. The careful reader has noticed that 
on nearly every occasion when danger threatened our little 
band, we would " fiee to the mountain " — the Blue Ridge 
mountain. Without its aid and protection, our career in this 
section would have been short. " Montani semper liberi." 
In that mountain we breathed the air of freedom. No foe 
ever dared to pursue us beyond its threshold. That beautiful 
blue mountain ! How often have we longingly looked to it 
as our city of refuge, our citadel and our fortress ! There it 
stood like a fond mother, with outstretched arms ready to 
welcome us to her breast. It was to us more than the great 
sea was to the army of Xerxes. Our eyes rested upon it as a 
hope, a trust, and an inspiration. With affection and rever- 
ence I shall ever behold it during life, and when I am called 
to go, lay me to sleep in the old churchyard, under its morn- 
ing shadow, where the first ray of the rising sun passing 
above its head and over the mists that spread around its 
breast shall cast its halo of light on the little rounded hillock 
that marks my resting-place. 



CONCLUSION. 

When the witness is called to the box, his entrance is 
usually solemnized with the oath, to tell the truth, the whole 
truth, and nothing hut the truth. Having undertaken to recall 
and record the actions and doings of the Baylor Light Horse, 
I feel that I would be guilty of dereliction of duty if I failed 
to chronicle the part played by our colored comrades. 

When Company B was first organized, the company 
wagon, a pair of mules, and a trusted colored driver was fur- 
nished by the captain. Among the young colored people at 
my home were three boys — Carter Robinson, Phil Williams, 
and Tom Langford — near the ages of my brother Richard 
and myself, playmates in our boyhood, whose presence with 
us was deemed essential to our comfort and welfare. These 
boys were eager to accompany us, and their wish was duly 
gratified. Uncle John Sorrell, an aged man, was the wagon- 
driver; Carter, our mess-cook; Phil and Tom our hostlers.' 
With such a retinue, we felt thoroughly equipped for the 
war. It may surprise our opponents, but the Confederate 
olTficer had no orderly or the like, but officers and men 
ranked as social equals. 

The Timberlakes also brought with them into camp as part 
and parcel of their contingent a colored boy by the name of 
Overton, who cooked for them and looked after their wants 
and necessities. This quartette formed a social group of their 
own, and seemed happy and contented. They shared with us 
our hardships and at times even our dangers, entered into 
our sports and jests, and never were more joyous than when 
taking part with us in our horse races. 

Uncle John had rendered himself very obnoxious to the 
Yankees by taking an active part in tolling them over the 
Potomac river at Harper's Ferry and into a trap laid for them 
[345] 



34<^ Bull Run to Bull Run. 

by a posse of our men, and ever after stood in great awe and 
dread of capture by them. 

In 1862, when General Ashby and his men were camped 
just south of Newtown, on the Valley turnpike, we were sur- 
prised one morning by a part of Banks's cavalry driving our 
picket rapidly into camp. There was much consternation 
and confusion. " Boots and Saddles " was speedly sounded, 
and each hurriedly prepared for the expected onset. Before 
our men had bridled and saddled, Uncle John was discovered 
driving out his team on the turnpike and heading towards 
Winchester. A portion of our men on barebacks, with no 
headgear on their horses but the halter, were ignominiously 
retreating to the rear. The Captain, discovering Uncle John 
heading towards the foe, hastily overtook him, and in lan- 
guage not over polite and refined, inquired why he was going 
in that direction. Uncle John quickly replied, " I seed them 
soldiers, sah, charging up dat way, and spose, sah, de Yan- 
kees must be coming down than" Being apprised of the true 
situation, he quickly wheeled about his mules and was soon 
at a safe distance from the enemy. 

At the battle of Brandy Station, Tom and Overton, who 
had on the Banks retreat well supplied themselves with arms, 
joined in the company charges and succeeded in capturing 
a Yankee darkey, who had ventured too far in front of the 
Yankee column, and brought him safely into camp. They 
were highly delighted with their trophy and retained him a 
prisoner for several months, compelling him to rub down 
their horses, bring water and wood, and do other chores 
about camp. At night he was required to sleep with them, 
and threatened with instant death if he attempted escape. 
Sorrow was felt for the unfortunate prisoner, but his captors 
so much -enjoyed his discomfiture, we would not interfere 
with their pleasure. After several months' captivity, how- 
ever, one night the poor wretch made a rush for liberty and 
safely escaped. 

Tom and Overton, not only good soldiers, but excellent 



Bull Run to Bull Run. 



H7 



foragers, also scoured the country adjacent to camp and 
supplied their respective messes with the best the neighbor- 
hood could afford. The mode and manner of their acquisi- 
tions was not always strictly ethical, but as few inquiries were 
made of them, their consciences were as well satisfied as our 
stomachs. 

I remember on one occasion being invited by several of 
the Timberlakes to accompany them a short distance from 
camp to the home of one of their lady acquaintances; and 
I'll here remark by way of parenthesis that Company B never 
camped anywhere in Virginia where the Timberlakes failed 
to have a cousin or dear friend close by. It is needless to 
mention that the invitation was accepted and I accompanied 
them. Provender in abundance w^as found for our horses; we 
supped at full board, and retired that night on downy couches 
and dreamed of Elysian fields. In the morning we rose 
refreshed, dressed and whetted our appetites for buckwheat 
cakes and butter, of which we had been partially advised. 
But how great w^as our chagrin and disappointment, when 
seated at table, our lady hostess informed us she was sorry 
she had no butter for our breakfast, as some one had robbed 
her spring-house during the past night and stolen all she 
had, adding very significantly that she did not mean to accuse 
us, but it was very strange it had never happened before. 

Great was our indignation, and vengeance was determined 
on for the offender should we be able to ferret him out. The 
meal was eaten without relish, and we speedily repaired to 
the barn, when each man was put on oath and the guilty 
party not found. We returned to camp wounded and deeply 
mortified, and the matter was frequently the subject of conver- 
sation on the march and around the camp-fire, but the mystery 
remained unsolved until some six months after, when Over- 
ton revealed the secret, that he had followed us to our snug 
quarters that night, and while we were sleeping had robbed 
the spring-house. Even at that late day our anger was not 
appeased, and Overton was severely upbraided, not for viola- 



248 Bull Run to Bull Run. 

tion of the biblical law so much as for not using more circum- 
spection and discrimination than to violate the laws of hos- 
pitality. 

All of our colored contingent survived the war and returned 
after the surrender to their old homes. In the late fall of 
1864, while the company was scouting and raiding in the 
lower Valley, Phil was sent with the company wagon and 
extra horses to a quiet retreat, east of Harrisonburg, near 
the Massanuttan Mountain, where he remained oblivous of 
our defeat, the cessation of hostilities and how it affected his 
fortunes, until some time in May, 1865, when I appeared at 
his quiet resting-place and informed him he was now free, 
and at liberty to go where he pleased. In great solicitude 
he inquired if he could not live at his old home, and when 
assured he could, if he wished, a great burden seemed lifted 
from his heart, and he moved on cheerfully. Shortly after we 
were under way, homeward bound, he imparted the informa- 
tion that an old colored woman had told his fortune several 
days before, and that she had seen him struggling in the 
waters. I ridiculed the old woman's dream, but when Mil- 
ford, in the Luray Valley, was reached, and my horse swam 
over a swollen branch of the Shenandoah river, Phil, in at- 
tempting to follow with wagon and mules, had been left in 
the middle of the current with the body and hind axle of the 
wagon, the mules and front gear having made the opposite 
shore in safety, I realized the old woman's tale had at least 
a sprinkling of truth and warning in it. Detaching the lines, 
however, from the mules, and succeeding in casting one end 
to Phil, I drew him and the floating wagon safely to shore. 
On the remainder of the journey, however, I could not induce 
him to cross a swollen stream. 

Uncle John remained at the old home and was kindly cared 
for by the family until April 6, 1884, when death claimed him 
for his own, he having survived my father about one year. 

Phil, after a long sickness, died on October i, 1899, and 
is buried near by the spot that witnessed his boyhood sports. 



Bull Run to Bull Run. j^p 

Overton returned home with the Tiniberlakes and met 
death by an accident, while Tom married and moved West. 
Carter, however, still lives in the vicinity. After the war 
he married at his home, but his wife died many years ago, 
and he has since lived a widower. About two years ago he 
came to my ofifice and informed me he was going to be mar- 
ried again, and wished me to accompany him to the clerk's 
ofhce to get a license. I called with him, and while the clerk 
was preparing the license I returned to my office. Some ten 
days after he again called, and as I was about extending con- 
gratulations, he informed me that the license was no good, 
and the minister refused to tie the knot, and now the girl had 
gone back on him. I examined the license, and found the 
clerk had neglected to affix his signature or seal. He wished 
to know if he could not recover damages of the clerk. I dis- 
suaded him from such a course, thinking there was about as 
much benefit as damage accruing from the clerk's omission, 
and the matter was finally adjusted by the clerk returning 
the fee. Having concluded his settlement, he went on his 
way, rejoicing more in the recovery of his fee than sorrowing 
at the loss of a wife. 

Slavery had its evil and its good. The master and the 
slave often " were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in 
their death they were not divided." The Emancipation 
Proclamation has been sounded. The Carpet-Bagger, Scala- 
w^ag, and Northern Missionary have come, have done their 
worst, and departed. Above the wreck, ruin, and desolation 
produced, the unity and good feeling of the old slave habi- 
tation remains unbroken, a sacred relic of those times the 
Northern fanatic is wont to term a barbarous age. 

While slavery in the abstract is repugnant to every concep- 
tion of liberty and equality, and its restoration would meet 
the earnest opposition of its former advocates, I nevertheless 
feel there are bright spots in its past upon which the memory 
will ever love to linger with pride, pleasure, and affection. 



Leaves 



.From. 



My Scrap-Book, 



Be true if you would be beloved. Let a man but speak rorth 
with genuine earnestness the thought, the emotion, the actual 
condition of his own heart, and other men, so strangely are we 
knit together by the tie of sympathy, must and will give heed 
to hinn. — Carlyle. 



DEDICATION. 



I HAVE COLLECTED THE FOLLOWING CRUMBS AND FRAGMENTS, 

NOT BECAUSE OF ANY MERIT THEY MAY HAVE, 

BUT RATHER BECAUSE THEY ARE, AS IT WERE, FOOT-PRINTS 

ALONG THE WAY OF LIFE, 

INDICATING THE CHARACTER OF A TRAVELLER ON THAT HIGHWAY, 

AND AS SUCH DEDICATE THEM WITH 

LOVE AND AFFECTION TO MY DAUGHTER 

LOUISE. 



23 



CONTENTS. 



"Valedictory Address at Washington and Lee. 

Presentation of Cane. 

Eulogy on Robert E. Lee. 

Commonwealth of Virginia vs. Hitt. 

State vs. Bragg. 

Young Love's Dream. 

To My "Last Resort." 

Lines Suggested by Decoration Day. 

To Miss Mary. 

Uncle Sam to Evangeline. 



VALEDICTORY ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE 
THE LAW CLASS OF 1H66-67 AT WASHINGTON 
AND LEE UNIVERSITY. 

Fellow Students : We have met to-day for the last time as 
a class. I feel that it is an occasion of no small importance. 
We are about to sever the bonds which so closely united us, 
and each go forth to his respective sphere of action to battle 
with the tide of life. Let us not forget that though our duties 
here are finished, there is still work for us to do, still battles 
to be fought, still victories to be won. When the doors of 
the temple of Janus were thrown open, when the red beacons 
were beaming from our hills, and cruel and unrelenting war 
ravaged and desolated our fair land, you would have esteemed 
him a poor soldier who did not keep his armor bright and 
ready for action; but in these times of comparative peace, 
when the beat of the drum and the bugle-blast is heard no 
longer through our valleys or over our hills, too many of us 
are prone to lay back on our oars and forget that, as peace 
hath her victories no less than war. she must have her battles 
also. Let us not, then, be caught with a rusty sword in this 
new contest. The goal of our destiny is not yet reached; 
the race is but begun. We have now new duties and new 
responsibilities resting upon us, which will require all our 
time and attention, all our zeal and energy. Observation and 
experience have taught us that a bold front is half the battle. 
Let us not, then, despond or grow faint-hearted because the 
future seems dark and foreboding. Often the storm that 
bends the fragile plant afterwards waters its roots and stimu- 
lates its growth and prosperity. Behind the impending cloud 
let us paint our bow of hope. Let ambition stir the latent 
spark of manhood in our hearts and arouse the dormant 
energies of our souls. Let that spirit which characterized 
[357] 



J5^ Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 

us as soldiers in the conflict through which we have just 
passed, still animate our bosoms, and the great barriers which 
now seem impassable will soon be overcome, and those 
obstacles which now^ seem so formidable soon be surmounted, 
and instead of difficulties increasing in our farther progress, 
we will find our march unobstructed and springing up along 
the way flowers of joy and comfort, whose beauty and 
fragrance will soften the hardships and asperities of life, and 
place upon the brow of duty the coronet of pleasure. We 
must not expect to become great in a day. Nulla palnia sine 
pulvere. Honor and distinction would be poorly appreciated, 
if so soon or so easily acquired. True greatness and eminence 
in our profession will require a master effort. Pelion must 
be piled upon Ossa and Ossa upon Oeta, and the strength 
of a giant exerted before we dare attack the strongholds of 
Olympus and contend with the gods of our profession. 
Boasted superiority of mind and talent will avail nothing, if 
we have not energy and industry. History chronicles no 
great achievements of indolence and ease; for honor and 
renown are the fruits of study and perseverance. Those great 
discoveries which have mapped out worlds and unveiled the 
hidden riches of the earth; those great inventions which 
startle the eye of the beholder and make him pause in wonder 
and astonishment; those beautiful fabrics of legal jurispru- 
dence which seem as if reared by some divine architect and 
moulded in the lap of eternal justice, are the results of pro- 
found research and deep application. They are the gathered 
flowers which gem the vase which all appreciate and admire, 
but if we would find the great moving cause which produced 
these sublime results, we must go to the garden from which 
they were culled and pry beneath the soil wherein they grew, 
to find the root that gave them life and nourishment. This 
root is labor and study. The past warns us from " listening 
with too much credulity to the whispers of fancy and of pur- 
suing with too much eagerness the phantoms of hope"; it 
warns us at once to nerve our hearts for the great battle and 




Bushrod C. Washing-ton. 



j6o Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 

bravely face the stern dangers which must be encountered — 
for trials, labors, and hardships are the essential ingredients 
of the cup of success; they must be endured, and he who 
wishes to rise triumphant over them all and pluck the wreath 
of glory must not shirk their responsibility or escape their 
burden. Nor must we let our political horizon, which seems 
so fearful and inauspicious, deter us from the path of duty 
or rob us of the fruits of peace. Let us forget the past except- 
ing its glories, its noble heroes and the noble lessons they 
have taught us. Let us cull from its garden the roses worthy 
of memory and consign the rest to the charnel-house of the 
dead. Let us cultivate amity and good feeling. Let our 
hatchet with our sectional animosities and our hatred be 
buried in the tomb of the Capulets, the graves of the " loved 
and lost." Let us place the white rose with the red in the 
vase of Auld Lang Syne, and let us go to work in earnest to 
recuperate our fallen fortunes and scatter smiles of plenty 
over our desolate land; for I feel that though marred, muti- 
lated, and torn, we still have a glorious land. Though the 
foot of a military satrap tramples still upon her sacred soil, 
and his hand desecrates the altar where liberty sung her 
syren strains, yet this is still our land. Her sons have fought 
but not lost; " tho' conquered,' victors still; tho' not trium- 
phant, right." Yes, this is still our home and our country. 
It has become sacred to us as our burying ground, the urn 
that contains the hallowed dust of our heroes, warriors, and 
statesmen. It is doubly dear to us now. It was bequeathed 
as a priceless heritage by our ancestors, it is now the mauso- 
leum of our gallant dead. Yes — 

"This is the Southron's Father land; 
Great God, look down and bless this land, 
And give her noble children souls 
To cherish while existence rolls 
And love with heart and aid with hand, 
Our universal Southron land." 

But there is no cause for discouragement. There is still 
hope ahead. The goal is within our reach, the victors' prize 



Leaves From My Scrap-Book. ^6i 

within our grasp. Then, let us then be up and d(jing. Let 
us not by inactivity lose our golden opportunity. Should 
we need examples to encourage us, we have only to look to 
the fresh graves that dot our land; we have only to look to 
the heroes whose sun of life has set, but left upon the moun- 
tain top a light of glory. Let us strive to imitate them, and 
we will cheer the starless future and protect ourselves from 
the demoralizing influence of apathy and indifference. Let 
us often revert to these men and their deeds, for we feel that 
from them 

" There springs a rooted and mysterious strength, 
A loftiness to face a world in arms. 
To strip the pomp from scepters and lay 
On duty's sacred altar life's warm blood." 

There are three graces which preside over the destinies of 
the human race. Let us seek from them the germs of pros- 
perity and happiness. The first is the peerless queen of 
creation. Around her, dignity flows as a majestic robe, and 
experience like a veil heightens her youthful charms. In 
her right hand she holds truth and justice; in her left, know- 
ledge and power. Her penetrating eye scans the mighty 
labyrinths of time and scales the walls of eternity. Her voice 
is the voice of a god. She is the Mind. At her side sits her 
sister. The rosy hue of her cheek denotes the fiery ardor of 
her temperament, yet conscience like a guardian-angel ever 
hovers near to restrain the burning lust of passion. She is 
the great moral power of the world. She has a smile for us 
in prosperity and a tear for us in adversity. Friendship and 
love are the active qualities of her being. She is the Heart. 
In communion with these is the likeness of a third. There is 
divinity in her shape. She is the glorious scintilla of the 
Almighty's presence within us; the ligament, the connect- 
ing cord between mortality and immortality; between time 
and eternity, between God and man. She is the Soul. At 
the shrine of these three, we must all bow. These are the 
ennobling faculties that raise man above the brute creation. 



j62 Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 

and make him but little lower than the angels. Upon these 
three let us build, for I feel assured on the proper cultivation 
of these great mental, social, and moral qualities will depend 
our welfare and success. It is related of a certain knight who 
donned his armor to fight for the Holy Land, that as he lay- 
mortally wounded on the field of battle he was upbraided by 
a comrade for his rash conduct and reckless daring. " Up- 
braid me not," said the dying knight, " he who dares not in 
a good cause is unworthy of the victory." Let us, then, 
unfurl our banner to the breeze and inscribe on it the words 
of this dying warrior, and with it the equitable division of 
time given us by Sir Edward Coke : 

" Six hours to law, to soothing slumber seven, 
Ten to the world allot and all to heaven," 

and I feel assured our greatest expectations will be realized. 
In this hope, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 



PRESEXTATIUX OF CVXE. 

An Address on Presentation by Law Class of i866-'67 of a 
Gold-Headed Cane, to Judge John W. Brockenbrough, 
Law Professor of Washington and Lee University : 

Our worthy and esteemed Professor : I have been selected 
by my classmates to express to you their appreciation of 
your worth and to present to you a slight testimonial of their 
respect and esteem. I fear language is indeed a poor mirror 
in which to glass the one or reflect the other. Your value, 
your excellencies, and your virtues, need no orator to sound 
their praise, and the sw^elling tide of emotion speaks louder 
than trumpet tones the warmth and feelings of our hearts. 
One year ago we gathered around you to hear your words of 
wisdom and receive your instruction and guidance in laying 
the corner-stone of our profession. Our mission now is 
ended, but we feel we have not come in vain; our expectations 
have been more than realized. We feel that you have not 
only performed every duty incumbent upon }ou as our pro- 
fessor and instructor, but that you have laid out for us a 
course for the future. You have been careful to teach us that 
much more is to be done after we leave these classic grounds. 
You have led us to the fountain and bade us drink the in- 
spiring draught, but you have told us we are yet to follow the 
meandering stream in its winding mazes. You have taught 
us, too, that ours is no menial task; that in solving these 
complicated problems of jurisprudence we are going another 
step nearer Eternal Justice, and instead of being instruments 
in defeating the great purposes of universal good are archi- 
tects rearing the temple wherein homage is paid to Him. 

Sir, upon this foundation which you have so wisely laid for 
us, with vour teachings and instructions as a guide to our 
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3^4 Lcaz'cs From My Scrap-Book. 

wandering steps, with truth, justice, and right as the polar 
star of our destiny, we will " go forth to meet the shadowy 
future without fear and with a manly heart." But, sir, not 
only we, but all those who trust that this legal structure may 
become more godlike in its proportions, in its means of 
administering justice and disseminating truth, who delight 
to look on its past with pride and its future with hope, will 
revere your memory as one of those whose lifelong aim has 
been to lay the foundations of her empire in true greatness, 
in the supremacy of reason and majesty of right. The truly 
great never die. It cannot be that one like you, who, has 
filled a life of nearly eighty years with dignity and usefulness 
to your fellow-citizens; one who was so much gifted on his 
entrance on life and who has increased his powers so much 
by culture; one who has raised himself to such honor and 
distinction, should ever fear the Lethean billow or the cor- 
roding rust of time. Thoug'h our association has been instruc- 
tive, pleasant, and agreeable, we come now to loose the silver 
cord and sever the golden chain. Our race here is run. We 
came as pilgrims to this shrine of learning and strangers to 
you, but by your dignity you won our respect; by your kind- 
ness you won our esteem; by your wisdom and knowledge 
you won our admiration, and by your nobility and generosity 
of soul you won our warmest friendship. There is not a 
heart in our midst that has not a warm regard for you. But 
fate bids us part. Life at most is but a meeting and a parting. 
We weave and bind the silken cord only to loose it. We now 
pass from this stage to engage in the busy scenes of life. We 
leave you here, to pursue the even tenor of your way, with 
these vacant chairs to tell the story of the absent. There is a 
power and a magic in the ruined battlement, and when these 
ties are severed and these associations broken, memory will 
throw around this spot a magic charm, and often, in fancy, 
we will revisit this place around which cluster so many fond 
recollections, and, like Old Mortality, chisel deeper the traces 
of friendship on the tablets of our hearts. But, sir, did we 



Leaves From My Scrap-Book. ^65 

need them, we carry w ith us living- monuments to your great- 
ness, for in each book of our course and on nearly every page 
of them are inscriptions to your genius; landmarks which will 
in after years serve to recall the worth and excellence of him 
who nurtured and fostered our infant studies. Rest assured 
that wherever destiny shall cast our lot, in calm or in storm, 
in prosperity or adversity, we shall ever look back with pride 
and pleasure on the happy moments spent with you; they 
shall be 

" Surny islands in our stormy main, 
Spots of azure in our clouded sky." 

We extend to you now at parting our heartfelt wishes for 
your prosperity and happiness, and present you this cane as a 
slight testimonial of our respect and esteem. May it be a 
prop to your declining years, a support to your failing 
strength, and may it in the future serve as a talisman to 
recall the forms of those who now revel in the sunlight of 
your presence, but who will then be far out on the ocean of 
life batthng with the waves of its tempest. We would write 
upon it, sir, as our heartfelt prayer that simple yet touching 
and beautiful motto inscribed by St. Pierre on the banner of 
Paul and Virginia — " May the brothers of Helen, lucid stars, 
the father of the winds, guide you, and may you only feel the 
breath of the zephyr." 



LEE MEMORIAL MEETING. 

(Kansas City Times, October 15, 1870.) 

Long-'s Hall in Mourning Drapery — Resolutions, Speeches, 
etc. 

Tens of thousands all over the land are mourning over a 
great national calamity — the death of that eminent statesman, 
ripe scholor, peerless warrior, and Christian gentleman — 
General Robert E. Lee. Kansas City adds another sob to 
the thousands convulsing the nation and drops another tear 
to swell the river of grief that is deluging the land. Long's 
Hall wore its most sorrowful habiliments last night — the 
walls were literally covered with crape, and even the lights 
from the chandeliers were more subdued from the heavy 
encircling drapery. In front of the stand were three beautiful 
arches of evergreens thickly entwined with flowers, and from 
the center one was suspended the protrait of him whose 
memory they had met to honor, while at each side of the 
arches was a beautiful wax portrait. 

Altogether, the hall was decorated in the most tasteful 
manner. The ladies, ever ready to pay tribute to virtue and 
nobility, worked faithfully through the long day. Those 
most active and to whom great credit is due for the perfect- 
ness of the arrangements were Mrs. Lykins, Mrs. Tyre, and 
Misses Lucy Stonestreet, Ella Perry, Ella Sites, and Kate 
Trefren. 

At an early hour the audience began to assemble, and be- 
fore the hour of 8 the spacious hall would hold no more. 

Major E. A. Hickman, in accordance with the arrange- 
ments of the committee, called the meeting to order, and 
the exercises began with a solemn, impressive, and appro- 
priate praver from Rev. Mr. Madera. 
[366] 




Robert L. Wysong-. 



jdS Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 

The Committee on Resolutions, through its chairman, 
Colonel John C. Moore, reported as follows : 

Whereas our beloved and honored countryman, General 
Robert E. Lee, has been taken fi-om us by death; and 

Whereas the bereavement at the loss is not confined to his 
relatives and personal friends, but is felt universally through- 
out the land; and 

Whereas the citizens of Kansas City feel it both a duty 
and a privilege to meet and express their grief at so great a 
calamity: be it, therefore, 

Resolved, That while we humbly recognize the inscrutable 
ways of Divine Providence, we cannot but see in the death 
of General Robert E. Lee a most deplorable event — the loss 
of the noblest specimen of American manhood — the practi- 
cal educator and the gentle and Christian gentleman. 

Resolved, That our hearts are in perfect sympathy with 
those elsewhere who mourn his death, with his grief-stricken 
family, with his noble mother State, whose pride he was, with 
the entire South, who in war and in peace looked to him as 
their exemplary chieftain — with the American people, who 
ever confessed his integrity of purpose and his consummate 
ability, and loved him because he possessed all those noble 
attributes that make the name American respected at home 
and honored abroad, and with all those everywhere who 
regarded him in the nineteenth century as Washington was 
regarded in the eighteenth — " First in war, first in peace, and 
first in the hearts of his countrymen." 

Captain George Baylor, the courteous gentleman and gal- 
lant soldier, stepped forward and said : 

Ladies and gentlemen : We have met to-night to pay a 
small tribute of respect to the memory of our noble chieftain, 
Lee. I feel myself unable to do justice to the virtues of so 
illustrious a hero. This is an occasion when the heart is 
more eloquent than the tongue. You all knew him well, and 
his deeds need no orator. Sprung from an honored line of 
ancestors, he inherited a name that has long brightened the 



Leaves From My Scrap-Book. ^6p 

pages of the nation's history. Born and reared on the soil 
of the Old Dominion, he in common with her sons inherited 
that State pride which is characteristic of every true Vir- 
ginian. A soldier by profession, when the tocsin of war 
sounded and the two sections stood arrayed in hostile atti- 
tude, he offered his sword to his native State, and was 
honored as commander-in-chief of the Virginia troops. 
Afterwards, when his State united her destinies with her 
Southern sisters, he was commissioned a general in the Con- 
federate army and assigned to duty in the western part of 
Virginia. In 1862, when McClellan was investing Richmond 
and drawing closer and closer the lines of circumvallation, 
he was ordered to that post, and when General Johnston was 
wounded, was placed in command of the Army of Northern 
\'irginia. Here his eventful career commenced — Cold Har- 
bor, Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, Manassas, Sharpsburg, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, 
and a host of other battles, culminating in the surrender of 
the little army he had so gallantly led at Appomattox, are 
the monuments he has left along his line of march to com- 
memorate his skill and generalship. That he was a great 
soldier, none can deny. Contending at all times with a force 
superior to his own in numbers, arms, and equipments, well 
clothed and fed, for three years he baffled all the attempts 
of his enemy and frequently wrenched victory from their 
grasp, and, when at last he surrendered his sword and stacked 
his 8,000 muskets in the face of more than 100,000 of the foe, 
the victors laid their dearly-won laurels at his feet. No 
brave soldier could fail to respect and admire him. Among 
his own soldiers he was loved and revered by all. Such was 
their veneration for him that none dared to speak ill of him. 
In the spring of 1864, on the morning of the first day's fight 
in the Wilderness, when the army of General Grant, having 
massed during the night on Lee's center, were throwing 
our men back and threatening to demolish our small force 
before reinforcements could be brought to their rescue, Lee, 
24 



5/0 Lca-i'cs From My S crap-Book. 

seeing the peril of the situation, galloped forward and rallied 
the men. His appearance was greeted with a shout that 
caused the advancing line of the enemy to halt. The men 
realizing the danger to which their commander was exposed, 
begged of him to retire, and when he refused to yield to their 
solicitations, two of their number caught his horse by the 
bridle and led him away to a place of safety, while their com- 
rades, encouraged by his noble example and cheering words, 
gallantly charged the foe and drove them back into the 
wilderness. There was a calm serenity about his face that 
•denoted a courage which neither victory animated nor defeat 
depressed. Through all his campaigns he displayed the 
courage and fortitude of a Caesar and the nobility and gen- 
erosity of an Alexander. He was not a Pompey, a Marl- 
borough, a Napoleon, but a Camillus, a Scipio, a Cincinnatus, 
a Washington; yes, he was more than these, for these were 
great only in victory. He was greatest in the hour of defeat. 
However much the American mind may differ upon questions 
at issue in the contest, all will agree in assigning him a true 
soldier's meed of praise and a spotless escutcheon. 

But his sword is now sheathed forever- — that sword which 
so often led to victory is sheathed forever. 

" Forth from its scabbard all In vain, 
Forth flashed the sword of Lee, 
It is shrouded now in its sheath again. 
It sleeps the sleep of our noble slain, 
Defeated, yet without a stain, 
Proudfully and peacefully." 

The surrender at Appomattox and returning peace opened 
to him a new field for the exercise of his noble virtues. Thus 
far others may have been his peers, but we must view him 
now as the individual man standing alone in his glory with 
none to divide with him the universal applause. Here, 
example fails, illustration finds no parallel, and Lee stands 
alone the model hero in defeat. Hungary wept without a 
crime, but peace soiled the bright armor of her favorite son. 



Lcaz'cs h'roiii My Scrap-Bouk. ^ji 

Italy mourned her lost liberties, and her warrior is to-day a 
hapless adventurer; but Virginia's peerless soldier is her 
peerless citizen. Foremost in war, he battled heroically and 
manfully in her cause; foremost in defeat, he bore the burden 
of her oppression; foremost in peace, he taught her sons the 
noble lesson that all was not lost, that knowledge is power, 
that the unconquerable mind could look up through the 
ruin and desolation that surrounded it, and in the fields of 
literature and science fight new battles and gain new victo- 
ries. I search history in vain for his peer ! I look hopelessly 
to the future for his equal ! But it has pleased God to remove 
him from his sphere of usefulness. But he is not dead. The 
truly great never die. Fathers and mothers will delight to 
tell their prattling children how he lived, fought, and died, 
and the name of Robert E. Lee, the brightest in the galaxy 
of the heroes of the Furled Banner, will ever be household 
words and his fame lasting as that conqueror of ages — time 
itself. He sleeps now in the land he so much loved, near by 
the soldiers he so gallantly led, and beneath the monument 
which commemorates his triumphs of peace. We leave him 
there to rest, assured he will not be forgotten. When the 
revolving seasons bring back the spring-time and the flowers, 
the sons and daughters of the South will' delight to gather 
around that grave, w^ater it with the tears of afifection and 
.strew it with the roses of memory. 

"And throughout coming ages, 

When his sword is rust, 
And his deeds in classic pages, 
Shall Virginia bending lowly. 
Still a ceaseless vigil holy 

Keep above his dust? " 



COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA vs. HITT. 

Edward Hitt was tried at Luray, Va., in July, 1882, for 
the murder of Strickler, which took place some five years 
previous. After killing Strickler, Hitt fled to Ohio, where he 
took an assumed name, married the daughter of a well-to-do 
farmer, who, upon her marriage, became acquainted with the 
fact that her husband was a fugitive from justice, and insisted 
that he should return and stand his trial. In accordance with 
her wishes he returned to Virginia and surrendered himself 
to the authorities, was tried and virtually acquitted, the jury 
imposing only a fine of $100. Senator Riddleberger and 
Major Armstrong for the State and J. W. Menifee and George 
Baylor for the defence. George Baylor's closing remarks 
were as follows : 

" Gentlemen of the Jury : There are others beside this 
defendant interested in your verdict. In a distant State, the 
home of his refuge, it has pleased God to raise up for him a 
friend, that sticketh closer than a brother; one whose heart 
beats in sympathy with his own and they have become 

' Two souls with a single thought, 
Two hearts that beat as one,' 

and she has confided her life, her honor, and her happiness to 
his keeping. Her woman's heart was moved to tenderness 
at the story of this unfortunate, homeless, wandering boy, 
and gave him its priceless jewel of love and affection. 

' She loved him for the sorrows he endured, 
And he loved her that she did pity them.' 

That woman who has sacrificed her all for him, asks you 

pleadingly to-day to restore him to her without a blot or 

stain on his name. She entreats you not to cloud her life as 

[372] 



Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 575 

well as his, with sorrow and disgrace. God grant that this 
day may end her trials and sufferings, and that this noble act 
of her young life may find its reward in your verdict. A 
father and a sister look longingly towards you, and the eyes 
of an angel mother are suffused with tears, as she views from 
the spirit land her darling boy. Can you withstand their 
tears? Can you coldly and unfeelingly turn aside heedless 
of these eloquent tongues of affection? " Blessed are the 
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," comes ringing in your 
ears. Say to the loving wife, you have sacrificed enough; 
here is your reward; we restore to you your husband. Say 
to the father who fondled his young life, we restore him and 
bless your grey hairs. Say to the fond sister, your prayer is 
heard and your brother is saved. Wipe the tear from the eye 
of the angel mother and light up her face with a smile, and as 
you go down to your homes and families to-night, the joy of 
these hearts will be ringing in your ears and render you 
nobler, better, and happier. I leave him in your care and 
keeping, and I know he is safe." 



STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA vs. BRAGG. 

Bragg was indicted in 1881 for killing Spinks, in Charles- 
town. Spinks was a shoemaker, living in the lower part of 
the town, had been a soldier in the Confederate army, was 
severely wounded, and made a cripple. Bragg entered his 
shop to get a pair of boots which Spinks had mended for 
him and wanted to carry them off without paying for them. 
A quarrel ensued, and Spinks struck Bragg, who was a 
strong young man, physically superior to Spinks. Bragg 
ran out of the shop (Spinks hobbling after him) to the middle 
of the street, where he got a stone, which he threw at Spinks, 
striking him about the temple, and killing him instantly. 
Bragg was defended by the Hons. D. B. Lucas and James 
H. Grove, and was prosecuted by C. Moore, State's Attorney, 
and George Baylor, the closing part of whose speech was as 
follows : 

"Gentlemen of the Jury: I have sought to lay this case 
before you in a calm and dispassionate manner. I have tried 
to do no wrong or injustice to this defendant. I know there 
are hearts here yearning for his restoration to liberty. I 
reverence the feelings and emotions of the parental heart. 
They are the attributes in fallen man which show likest God. 
Give these feelings a lodgment in your breast, but, remem- 
ber, while you look on this defendant, and your hearts beat 
in sympathy and compassion for his aged father and mother, 
there is another household in which is seated the wife, whom 
he has ruthlessly widowed, and five infant children, who wait 
in vain for the 'touch of a vanished hand, the sound of a voice 
that is still.' These no longer gather around their father's 
humble bench to beguile his labors with their childish sports; 
the bench is vacant; the sound of his hammer is heard no 
more; their voices have lost their music: their little hearts are 
sad as they look mournfully out on the world and ask its 
[374] 




^^"Win. L. Wilson. 



^/d Leaves From My S crap-Book. 

charity. These claim from you a tear. But if this helpless 
widow and these orphan children do not appeal to you for 
justice, recall for a moment his victim, feeble in health, his 
crutches at his side, wounded, afflicted, bearing on his person 
the honorable scars of war, amid the throes of poverty, man- 
fully, yes, heroically, battling with the waves of adverse for- 
tune, nobly performing that highest and holiest duty of a 
husband and a father — the maintenance and support of his 
family — toiling in the late twilight of a Saturday evening in 
his humble little shop in your town, long after the strong and 
vigorous had retired from their labors, suddenly stricken 
down, and in a manner so brutal and so despicable as not to 
leave even a spark of manhood to lend either virtue or dignity 
to the crime. In a country that boasts of its chivalry, the 
person of the weak, the feeble, and the afiflicted, should ever 
be sacred, and he who violates that sanctity not omly breaks 
the law, but should forfeit title to the respect of true man- 
hood, for his crime is not alone against law, both human and 
divine, but against nobility and humanity. 

" But where will this defendant flee for refuge from this 
crime? In ancient days there was a tribunal in which insulted 
honor and offended dignity could seek redress for every 
wrong; a tribunal recognized in the law, and moving hand in 
hand and side by side with that tribunal in which the rights 
of person and the rights of property were protected. This 
was the tribunal of fair and honorable combat. Will this 
defendant seek here the shelter of that tribunal? He that 
comes into her court must wage no unequal conflict. In this 
case, on the one side I see youth and strength; on the other 
weakness and infirmity; on the one side I see a deadly missile; 
on the other I hear a feeble threat. In such an unequal con- 
test the result is too apparent; the one revels in safety, the 
other lies stark and cold in death. No; there is no place 
of refuge for him here. He has trampled under foot every 
principle the genius of that institution consecrated, and she 
spurns him from her courts. Will he appeal to the bar of that 



Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 577 

enlightened public opinion which accords to every man not 
a mean, degrading, and debasing, but a high and honorable 
self-defence; for the code of its wisdom does not compel a 
man to flee to the wall, but it does insist that he who seeks its 
protection shall have a reasonable apprehension of immediate 
grievous bodily harm. The groundless fears of a feeble heart 
encamped in a strong and vigorous body, when assailed by an 
unarmed, infirm, and crippled adversary, receives no counte- 
nance at her hands. There is no place in its courts for such 
a crime. ' Here is the smell of blood still, all the perfumes of 
Arabia will not sweeten this hand.' 

" To you gentlemen of the jury, is entrusted a most im- 
portant part in the execution of the laws. You are sworn to 
try this case on the evidence; that duty you must not hesitate 
to perform. But I wish to caution you against a false idea 
of mercy that oftentimes creeps into the minds of jurymen 
and warps their better judgment. ' Mercy but murders, 
pardoning those that kill.' Mercy in its true sense is a noble 
attribute; it springs from the heart of the injured to the 
injurer; from an offended God to offending man, but that 
mercy which is the offspring of no noble emotion of the soul, 
which arises from no deprivation or damage suffered, which 
has its origin in an indifference and aversion to the infliction 
of merited punishment, is the child of injustice and cowardice. 
I trust you are free from this weakness. The manner in 
which you perform your duty to-day is a matter that not only 
affects the prisoner at the bar, but each and all of us. A 
brother's blood cries unto us from the ground. The law that 
he has violated is no law of human origin; it is the same law 
that the grand old sage whom the hand of God laid to rest 
over against Beth-Peor's heights proclaimed to the children 
of Israel as an ordinance among them and their posterity 
forever, and ' if he smite him with throwing a stone, where- 
with he may die, and he die, he is a murderer, the murderer 
shall surely be put to death.' This is not only the teaching 
of Holy Writ, but it is the voice of nature uttering one of her 



37^ Leaves From My Scrap-Book. 

immutable truths. It is your high and holy duty to enforce 
the law not only as an example ^to deter others from the 
commission of a like offence, but as the just reward of his 
action. I ask you, then, to assert the dignity of true man- 
hood, closing your eyes upon the offender, visit his 
offence with that punishment the law prescribes and justice 
demands. Let no false notion of generosity or humanity 
deter or swerve you from the line of duty. Remember your 
oath and the solemn obligation it imposes, not in vengeance 
but in true mercy; vindicate the equality of justice, the purity 
of judgment, the majesty and supremacy of the law. There 
is a consciousness of duty well performed which follows each 
of us and silently applauds us in the way. May you go from 
this jury-box this day with this pleasing reward of your 
labors and lie down this night to refreshing slumbers, fully 
assured that the law you have this day vindicated holds its 
protecting aegis over you and your families. I leave the case 
now in your hands with the full assurance you will weigh the 
testimony and render such a verdict as your consciences will 
approve." 

Verdict: Voluntary manslaughter; four years in the 
penitentiary. 



YOUNG LOVE'S DREAM. 

To Miss Ellen Lisle ichile at Berkeley Springs: 

August 20, 1867. 
Slowly and mournfully, 

Ellen Lisle, 
Pass the cheerless moments 

One by one; 
For over the face of time, 
Solemnly and sublime 
Peals the saddening chime, 

Ellen's gone. 

Sadly and feelingly, 

Ellen Lisle, 
Throbs my uneasy heart 

All the while. 
For over my heart-strings 
Memory softly brings, 
A voice that ever sings, 

Ellen Lisle. 

Nightly and dreamily, 

Ellen Lisle, 
Speeds my spirit away 

Many a mile, 
And o'er my troubled dream, 
Like a meteor's gleam, 
Flashes the cheering beam, 

Ellen's smile. 

Fondly and sincerely, 

Ellen Lisle, 
My thoughts in devotion 

Follow thee, 
Ch! in the merry dance, 
Just now and then perchance 
Return one pleasing glance 

Back to me. 
[379] 



j5o Lcai'cs From My S crap-Book. 



Darkly and drearily, 

Ellen Lisle, 
Pass the lonely moments 

All the while; 
Come, bid this night begone. 
Come, haste the rosy morn. 
And cheer a heart forlorn, 

Ellen Lisle. 

Quickly and speedily 

Ellen Lisle, 
Greet with thy voice again 

Home, sweet home. 
Then, filled with joy profound. 
My spirits will rebound 
And its echoes resound, 

Ellen's come. 




J no. O. Yates. 



TO MY " LAST RESORT." 

The following lines were written from Kansas City, Mo., 
in 1869, to a young- lady in Jefterson, who had, on his 
departure West, promised the writer that after unsuccessful 
effort elsewhere, she would be Jtis last resort. 

" 'Tis my last resort," my beautiful one, 
For I've searched in vain all climes of the sun, 
Till hope is eclipsed in the shadow of fear 
And the tablet of joy is stained with a tear. 
Come in thy beauty in this hour of despair 
And bring back the face my heart used to wear; 
Yea, teach me to live in the glance of thine eye. 
To weep when thou'rt far and laugh when thou'rt nigh, 
To trust in thy truth when storms are above 
And anchor my faith in thy haven of love. 

Stay not thy coming, for night shadows fall. 

Investing my heart in an ominous pall; 

Thy presence will bring the sun through the cloud, 

The beams of thy love dispel the dark shroud, 

Welcome the morrow with rosy delight, 

And follow with joy the footsteps of night. 

Be queen of this heart and make it thy home, 
When safe from the storm no sorrow shall come. 
Each moment be blest and instinctively seem 
A Utopia of bliss, a fairly-land dream. 
Till angels look down from heaven above 
And crimson their blush in its mirror of love. 

Oh! then I'll not mourn the loves that I have lost. 
But estimate all as the sum of thy cost. 
Nor think you o'er dear or prize you the less, 
That these were wanting in genuineness. 
" Since last shall be first," let anchor be cast 
And you shall be first, and shall be the last. 
[3S2] 



Leaves From My Scra/^-Buok. jSj 

(On seeing an old sweetheart after several years' absence, 1881.) 

Bright dream of my youth! Sweet shade of the past. 

I saw thee to-day, how changed since the last; 

The hope of my youth is vanished and gone, 

Its prayer unanswered, its desire undone; 

Thy bright smile may still excite the cold heart, 

But to hopes now dead, no life can impart, 

A gulf lies between I dare not pass o'er, 

Though a heart and a hand await me on shore; 

But memory yet lives in scenes of the past. 

And o'er its dreamland its halo will cast 

As smiles that light up the face of the dead, 

The beams still linger, when the spirit is fled. 



LINES SUGGESTED BY DECORATION-DAY. 

(Written just after Decoration -Day, 1873.) 

I want your love just while I live, 

While I can still that love return. 
It will not joy or comfort give 

When lamp of life has ceased to burn. 

When the soldier's companion falls, 

He waits to see the pause of life. 
Then onward goes where duty calls. 

And drowns his woe in battle strife. 

Thus when 'tis fate for me to die, 
Breathe but one sigh for memory dear. 

And gently close the fading eye. 
Affection asks not e'en a tear. 

Pluck not, I pray, the wild flowers' bloom, 
Nor chaplet wreathe nor rustic crown, 

To deck a cold and lifeless tomb 
Where mortal dust alone is found. 

Can sweetest flowers illume the grave. 

Or cheer or bless the tenant there. 
Knows he the hand that loving gave 

Those flowers so beautiful and fair? 

I can as calm and sweetly sleep 

In death's silent, reposing lair. 
Without a friend to sigh or weep 

Or place in love a rose-bud there. 

But love me, friends, while I can still 
Clasp hand with hand in kinship given. 

Meet heart with heart in joyous thrill 
And feel this earth is nearing heaven. 
[384] 



TO MISS MARY, 1881. 

The morning sun whose cheering ray, 

Dispels from earth the mists of night 
And ushers in the joyful day 

That brings my Mary to my sight, 
A moment views the sleeping. 

Then fondly wakes her with a kiss. 
While I stand back abashed, afraid. 

And almost die in sight of bliss. 

Oh! were I a spirit of the air 

That viewless wields its magic art, 
I, too, would press those lips so fair. 

And fold thee fondly to my heart. 
What these sunbeams each morn fulfil 

My heart approves, though yet forbears, 
For love that's true is deep and still; 

It would attempt, but seldom dares. 

'Tis said love springs from fond desires 

And has its home within the heart, 
But the lips feed its vestal fires 

And all its purest joys impart. 
Then, Mary, grant a lover's prayer 

One moment of ecstatic bliss, 
No purer joy beyond compare 

To press upon thy lips a kiss. 

When death draws near, as soon it must. 

We bear the signet of decay; 
E'er this vile body turns to dust, 

As evening shadows close its day. 
In all your warmth and tenderness 

Upon these lips, so parched and dry, 
Mary, come near, and one kiss press. 

And I will feel, " 'tis sweet to die." 

[385] 



UNCLE SAM TO SENORITA EVANGELINE 
CISNEROS. 

May 3, 1898. 
(The father of Evangeline Cisneros, while making prepara- 
tions to join the Cuban forces, was taken prisoner and sen- 
tenced to be shot. Evangeline, then a girl of sixteen, 
hastened to see the Captain-General of Cuba, to ask clemency 
in his behalf. After much delay she gained admittance, and 
the sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life in the 
Spanish penal colony in Africa. This commutation saved her 
father for a time, but resigned him to a slow and certain 
death. A new Captain-General came into ofifice at this time, 
and Evangeline determined to seek from him further 
clemency. After being turned away from the gate of that 
officer's quarters for many days, she finally, through the 
kindness of his son, was admitted, and her father's sentence 
was commuted to imprisonment in the penal colony on the 
Isle of Pines, a small island lying south of Cuba. While her 
father remained in prison in Cuba, Evangeline daily prepared 
his meals and took them in a little basket to the prison, but 
she was seldom allowed to enter. When this sentence was 
imposed, Evangeline and her sister Carmen accompanied 
their father and shared his privations. Her beauty attracted 
the attention of Colonel Berriz, the governor of the island, 
and he became violently enamoured of her. When he found 
his addresses repulsed, he tried to influence her by severe 
punishments inflicted on her father, and finding these un- 
availing, he then attempted to ravish her, but her cries caused 
the Cuban prisoners to rise, and Berriz was severely handled. 
For this Evangeline and Carmen were charged with exciting 
the prisoners to murder Berriz, and she and her sister were 
sent to Havana and confined in a loathsome prison with 
[386] 



Leaves From My Seraj^-Boo':. .,V- 

abandoned characters. Her sister was released rfter a short 
nnprisonment, but EvangeHne remained there fifteen months 
when she was rescued by the heroic Carl Decker.) 

I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Bewailing thy father's cruel fate; 
I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Calling in vain at the despot's gate; 
I have seen thee bear thy frugal gift 

And knock in vain at the prison door. 
Yearning to solace thy father's life, 

His hunger feed from thy scanty store; 
Cuba Libre's battle-cry is mine. 

Sword of the Lord and Evangeline. 

I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Thy songs wafted on the Southern winds; 
I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Awakening far out the Isle of Pines; 
Spanish tyrants tremble at thy call, 

Tho' helpless thou wert, brave hearts were near; 
To save virtue from Hispano lust, 

They break prison chains and banish fear; 
Cuba Libre's oattle-cry is mine, 

Sword of the Lord and Evangeline. 

I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Appealing from the felon's loathsome cell; 
I have heard thy voice, Evangeline, 

Calling to me from Habana's hell; 
I will avenge all thy cruel wrongs. 

Break thy father's chains, thy country free; 
Berriz's blood shall Tarquin lust atone, 

And dear Carmen be restored to thee; 
Cuba Libre's battle-cry is mine. 

Sword of the Lord and Evangeline. 




Mason E. Young-. 



Appendix. 



ROLL OF BAYLOR LIGHT-HORSE. 



OFFICEB8. 

Bai/hrr, R. ]]' Captain. 

Womulcd. 

Rouss, Milton First Lieutenant. 

Wouiuied. 

Baylor, George Second Lieutenant. 

Wduiified. 

Washington, B. C Third Lieutenant. 

Wounded. 

Timberlake, S. W Orderly Sergeant. 

\V,,niid.-<l. 

Conklyn, J. H Second Sergeant. 

Tmssell, C. W Third Sergeant. 

Frazier, W, C Fourth Sergeant. 

Wouniled. 

PRIVATES. 

Aisquith, E. M. Berry, Charles 
Aisquith, W. J/. Wounded. 

Anderson, Isaac Bonham, Edward 

Wounded. Butler, J. D. 

Alexander, Charles Conklyn, C. C. 

Alexander, Herbert Chamberlain, Lucien 

Averill, William Crane, C. L. 

Killed. Castleman, Robert 
Baylor, Richard C. Wounded. 

Killed. Cooke, B. W. 

Baylor, Robert W., Jr. Coleman, .John 

Kill^^- Wounded. 

Bartlett, Joseph (.^„,.^,^^ ,^^^,;, 

Wounded. ^ j t ai at 

Baker, William H. Conrad J. M. M. 

wounded. Crane, Joseph 

Baney, Thaddeus Crane, J. C. 

Killed. Wounded. 

Barringer, James Cookus, Robert 

Beall, H. D. Ciraton, (horge 
Bell, Daniel Wounded. 

Wounded. ^o;/^<'. ■'■ "■ 
[39O 



39^ 



Appendix. 



Craighill, R. T. 

Wounded. 
Dovenberger, Daniel 

Wounded. 
Easterday, Joseph 
Easterday, John 
Eddins, H. C. 

Wounded. 
English, W. D. 

Wounded. 
Fcmghnder, Daniel 

Wounded. 
Favghnder, Fenton 
Fry, J. I). 
Gallaher, J. H. 

Wounded. 
Gallaher, J. S. 
Gallaher, Edward 
Gordon, Abraham 

Wounded. 
Gibson, W. H. 
Grantham, J. S. 
Henderson, Charles E. 

Wounded. 
Henderson, Robert 
Hilbert, John 
Hilbert, George 
Howell, John 
Huyett, R. D. 

Killed. 
Hoffmaster, J. W. 
Hutchinson, Julian, Dr. 
Hunter, H. C. 
Isler, a H. 

Killed. 
Lackland, E. M. 
Lewis, B. F. 
Lewis, J. L. 
Lewis, Elisha 
Lewis, George 

Killed. 
Lt'ivis, David 

Killed. 
Locke, William 

Killed. 
Manning, C. J. 
^fanning, G. U. 

Killed. 
Manning, William P. 

Wounded. 



Manning, F. J. 

Wounded. 
Manning, Ad. 
Myers, Thomas 
Mason, William S. 
McKown, Warner 

Killed. 
McCluer, John 
Moore, Monrose 

Killed. 
North, Robert 
Rouss, C. B. 
Ranson, Thomas D. 

Wounded. 
Ranson, B. B. 
Randall, James 
Redman, T. B. 
Rowland, J. H. 
Strider, Isaac H. 

Wounded. 
Starry, Tustin. 
Sadler, L, L. 
Selden, W. C. 

Wounded. 
Smith. John W. 

Killed. 

Tearney, Leo 
Thomson, William S. 
Timberlake, George 

Wounded. 
Timberlake, Richard 

Killed. 

Timberlake, Stephen 
Timberlake, J. H. 

Wounded. 
Timberlake, J. L. 

Wounded. 
Timberlake, T. W. 

Wounded 
Timberlake, Harry 
Trussell, J. T. 
Trussell, E. C. 
Trussell, Moses 

Terr ill, Philip 

Killed. 
T^rrill, J. U. 

Washington, George 

Wounded. 
Washington, J. C. 



Appendix. 



Wysong, K. L. 
Wounded. 

Willis, Beale 

Willis, Albrrt 
Willis, Frank 
Wilson, William L. 
Wiltshire, J. C. 

Killed 
W/iitlltigton, Ben 
Wolfe, John W. 
Wrifjht, Sa)))>iel 

Killed. 



Wor/cmmi, John 

Killed. 
WoKjard, (Irorge 

Wounded. 
Yates, John 0. 
Young, Mason E. 
Zomhro, J. W. 
Zon,l>ro, T. B. 

Killed. 

Zombro, J. D. 



Killed, 19. Wounded, :i.T. Dead (Italics), 02. 

March 1, 1900. 

ROLL OF SURVIVORS OF BAYLOR LIGHT HO SE, COMPANY B 

TWELFTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY, WITH OCCUPATION 

AND PRESENT ADDRESS. 



Milton Rouss, farmer, Kabletown, Jefferson county, W. Va. 

George Baylor, lawyer, Charlestown, W. Va. 

B. C. Washington, grain dealer, Charlestown, W. Va. 

Aisquith, E. M., merchant, St. Joseph, Mo. 

Anderson, Isaac, farmer, Bloomfield, Va. 

Beall, H. D., Sun Editorial Corps, Baltimore, Md. 

Bell, Daniel, physician, Marshall, Mo. 

Butler, J. D., farmer, Charlestown, W. Va. 

Conklyn, J. H., farmer, Berryville, Va. 

Conklyn, C. C, farmer, Charlestown, W. Va. 

Chamberlain, Lucien, farmer, Bel Air, Mo. 

Castleman, Robert, farmer, Berry's Ferry, Va. 

Cooke, B. W., teacher, Trimble, Ky. 

Coleman, John, speculator, Waco, Texas. 

Copeland, Philip, builder, Baltimore, Md. 

Conrad, J. M. M., merchant, Baltimore, Md. 

Crane, Joseph, Charlestown, W. Va. 

Crane, James C, merchant, Exeter, Mo. 

Cookus, Robert, farmer, Brock's Gap, Va. 

Craighill, Pobert T., lawyer, Lynchburg, Va. 

Dovenberger, Daniel, faimer, Benedict, Neb. 

Easterday, Joseph, stoves and tinware, Charlestown, W. Va. 

Easterday, John, Charlestown, W. Va. 

English, W. D., ex. M. C. and lawyer, Oakland, Cal. 

Frazier, Wm. C, farmer. Summit Point, W. Va. 

Grantham, John S., Middleway, W. Va. 



^^4 Appendix. 

Henderson, Charles E., vice-president P. &. R. R. R., Philadelphia, Pa. 
Hilbert, John, Washington, D. C. 
Hilbert, George, Baltimore, Md. 
Howell, John, merchant, Charlestown, W. Va. 
Hoffmaster, John W., farmer, Benedict, Neb. 
Lewis, John L., farmer, Middleway, W. Va. 
Lewis, Elisha, farmer, Middleway, W. Va. 
Lewis, Frank, builder, Berryville, Va. 

Manning, C. J., agent, farming implements, Bridgewater, Va. 
Manning, F. J., farmer and grain dealer, Charlestown, W. Va. 
Manning, William P., physician, Washington, D. C. 
Myers, Thomas, merchant, Danville, 111. 
Mason, W. S., farmer, Woodvillej Va. 
McCluer, John, lawyer, Parkersburg, W. Va. 
Ranson, Thomas D., lawyer, Staunton, Va. 
Ranson, B. B., physician, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
Randall, James, farmer, Hardscrabble, W. Va. 
Redman, Thomas B., druggist, Louisville, Ky. 
Rowland, J. H., miller, Wheatland, W. Va. 
Rouss, Charles B., merchant. New York, N. Y. 
Strider, Isaac H., farmer, Leetown, W. Va. 
Starry, Tustin, Charlestown, W. Va. 
Selden, W. C, Warren ton, Va. 
Tearney, Leo, Harper's Ferry, W. Va. 
Thomson, William S., lawyer, Atlanta, Ga. 
Timberlake, S. M., merchant. New York, N. Y. 
Timberlake, Stephen, merchant, Staunton, Va. 
Timberlake, James H., merchant. New York, N. Y. 
Timberlake, George, farmer, Stephenson's, Va. 
Timberlake, T. W., farmer, Milldale, Va. 
Timberlake, Harry, merchant, Winchester, Va. 
Trussell, James, farmer, Kearneysville, W. Va. 
Trussell, Moses, farmer, Charlestown, W. Va. 
Wysong, R. L., grain dealer, Duffields, W. Va. 
Willis, Bealle, Waco, Texas. 

Wilson, William L., president Washington and Lee University, Lex- 
ington, Va. 
Wolfe, John W., Lovettsville, Va. 
Young, Mason E., sergeant, Charlestown, W. Va. 



BAYLOR FAMILY. 

John Baylor was born in 1650 at Tiverton, Devonshire, 
England, came to Gloucester county, Virginia, in the latter 
part of the seventeenth century, and acquired a large estate 
by extensive trade as a merchant. He was Burgess for 
Gloucester county in 1692 and King and Queen in 1718. He 
married Lucy Todd O'Brien, of New Kent, in 1698, and at 
his death, left a very considerable property, his personal 
estate being appraised at £6,500. (Va. Mag. of Hist. & 
Biography, \^ol. TX.. p. 363.) The books kept at his various 
counting-houses in Gloucester, King and Queen and New 
Kent are still preserved at New Market. Mention is made of 
six or seven ships, belonging to him at different times, en- 
gaged in trading with the Old World. He and Colonel 
George Braxton were the Burgesses for King and Queen in 
1718. (See Burk's Virginia, Vol. HL, and Virginia Histori- 
cal Register, Vol. H.) His portrait is now at New Market. 
John Baylor and Lucy Todd O'Brien had several sons and 
daughters (two only of whom I have been able to trace) — 
John (2), born May 12, 1705, and Gregory, born February 
10, 1710, both at W'alkerton, King and Queen county. 

John (2) married Lucy W'a.ker, at Yorktown. January 2, 
1744, several sons and daughters being the issue of this 
marriage. John (2) was with Washington at Winchester. 
He represented the county of Caroline in the House of Bur- 
gesses from 1740 to 1760. In 1748 I find that he and Luns- 
ford Lomax were Burgesses from Caroline, and in i757-'58 
he and Edmond Pendleton. (See Burk's Virginia, Vol. III., 
ch. 2, p. 134.) John (2) moved to New Market in 1726, and 
occupied a large grant of land. This grant is still preserved 
at New Market, which has been continuously in possession 
of the family from that time to the present, its present owner 
[395] 



jpd Appendix. 

being- James B. Baylor. John (2) held several commissions, 
one of which constituted him lieutenant of the county of 
Orange, signed by Robert Dinwiddle at Williamsburg in 
1752, and is still extant. John (3), oldest son of John (2), 
was born at New Market September 4, 1750; was sent at the 
age of twelve to Putney Grammar School, from which he 
was removed to Cambridge, and was a classmate of Wilber- 
force. While in Europe the letters of Junius appeared, and 
for some reason he felt so deep an interest in the subject, style 
or authorship, as to transcribe them as they w-ere published, 
the manuscript being now in a perfect state of preservation 
at New^ Market. The performance of a task so laborious as 
that involved in copying these famous letters from the Public 
Advertiser, the numbers of which could as well be preserved, 
presents a puzzle wdiich his family are unable to solve. 

John (3) married while in England his cousin, Fanny 
Norton, of Gould Square, London, and shortly afterward 
returned to Virginia. They were followed by the brothers 
of Mrs. Baylor. Several of their descendants have devoted 
their lives to the ministry. The Rev. John H. Norton is one 
of them. The Historical Register, Officers of the Continental 
Army, registers John (3) as follows : '* Lieutenant Third 
Continental Dragoons, 15th February, 1777; Captain 1780, 
and served to close of war." John (3) Baylor's portrait, 
painted while at Cambridge, is at New Market. He died at 
New Market, February 5, 1808. The issue of John (3) 
Baylor were Francis Courtney, born October 10, 1779; 
Courtney Orange, born May 31, 1781 ; John (4), George, and 
Lucy. 

John (4) Baylor, of New Market, married in 1819 Maria, 
daughter of Mingo Roy, of Caroline, and had only one child, 
Dr. John (5) Roy Baylor, born 1822; died July 26, 1897. 
John (5) Roy married Anne Boaven, of Albemarle county. 
They had issue — James Bowen (who married Ellen Carter 
Bruce, of Staunton Hill. Halifax county), and John (6) Roy 
(who married Miss Howard, of Richmond), and Maria Roy. 



Appendix. :^gj 

George, the second son of John (2) and Lucy Walker, was 
born at New Market January 12, 1752. lie was aide to 
General Washington at the battle of Trenton, and enjoyed 
the honor of presenting the colors there taken to Congress. 
His portrait appears in the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania. In the Journals of Congress, Wednesday, January i, 
1777, will be found the following: 

" Congress being informed that Lieutenant-Colonel 
Baylor, one of General Washington's aides-de-camp, who 
l^rought the dispatches from General Washington, read yes- 
terday, was at the door, ordered, that he be admitted. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Baylor being accordingly admitted, gave a 
particular account of the late action at Trenton, and with- 
drew. 

" Rcsok'cd, That a horse properly caparisoned for service 
be presented to Lieutenant-Colonel Ba3dor, and that he be 
recommended to General Washington to be appointed to the 
command of a regiment of light horse, and that he rank with 
Colonel Sheldon, lately appointed to like command, saving 
to Colonel Sheldon any preference wdiich arises from the 
senior date of his commission." 

And in the Journals of Congress, January 23, 1777, we 
find the followang : 

^'Resolved, That 41,640 dollars be advanced to Colonel 
George Baylor for the purpose of purchasing horses and 
paying the bounty of men for the regiment of cavalry he is 
ordered to raise; that the same be paid to Major A. Clough 
and charged to Colonel Baylor, who is to be accountable." 

Historical Register, Ofificers of the Continental Army, 
registers: '' Baylor, George. Lieutenant-Colonel and aide-de- 
camp to General Washington, 15th of August. 1775. to Jan- 
uary 9. 1777. By the act of January i. 1777, it was resolved 
that a horse properly caparisoned for service be presented 
Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor, colonel Third Continental Dra- 
goons, 9th of January. 1777; surprised, wounded, and taken 
prisoner at Tappan ; 28th of September, 1778. exchanged. 



jp8 Appendix. 

His regiment consolidated with the First Continental Dra- 
goons 9th of November, 1782; retained in command of the 
same and served to close of war. Brevet brigadier-general, 
30th September, 1783; died March, 1784." 

It is noted in the same book: "Third Dragoons; Colonel 
George Baylor, 9th of January, 1777, to close of war; Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Benjamin Bird, 14th of March, 1777, to 20th 
of November, 1778; Lieutenant-Colonel William A. Wash- 
ington, 20th of November, 1778, to close of war; Major 
Alexander Clough, 8th of January, 1777, to 28th of Septem- 
ber, 1778; Major Richard Call, 2d October, 1778, to 9th of 
November, 1782; Major John Bellield, 1780, to 9th of 
November, 1782; Major John Swan, 9th of Noveml)er, 1782, 
to close of war. The First and Third regiments were con- 
solidated 9th of November, 1782, and thereafter the consoli- 
dated regiment was known as ' Baylor's Dragoons." " 

George Baylor married at Mansfield Lucy Page, and left 
surviving him one son, John Walker (who married Anne 
Fitzhugh, and left one son, who died without issue), and four 
daughters — Lucy Page (who married John Heath Brent), 
Mary Digges (w'ho married Robert Horner), and E.iza (who 
married Joseph Horner). His widow married Nat Burwell, 
of Frederick county. 

The following letter was in possession of the late Mrs. J. H. 
Brent, granddaughter of George Baylor, a few years ago : 

To the Honorable Don Martin Navaro, Litendant General 
of the Province of Louisiana : 

Sir,~I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance Col- 
onel George Baylor, a character entitled to the attention and 
admiration of every lover of virtue and patriotism. He is a 
gentleman of the best connections in Virginia. His great 
zeal in the service of the country and many brilliant actions 
performed by him in the course of the late war, have rendered 
him conspicuous in America. He was the General's first 
aide-de-camp, and on various occasions has had not only the 
approbation but the eulogiums of the Conunander-in-Chief. 
The fatigues of the war and the effects of wounds render a 



Appendix. :^pg 

sea voyage absolutely necessary for the recovery of his health. 
He intends to pay a visit to New Orleans, and to return home 
via Mississippi and Ohio. JVIay I request your friendship 
and politeness to this American hero during his stay in your 
town, and on his departure you will be pleased to honor him 
\\ith your letters to the commandants on his route upwards, 
commending him to their care and good offices. 1 have the 
honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect and 
esteem, sir, your most obliged and most humble servant. 

Daniel Clarke. 
Richmond, in Virginia. December 4, 1783. 

It is needless to say this letter was never delivered. Colonel 
Baylor having died at Barbadoes on the trip around by sea, 
in March, 1784. Colonel George Baylor, after his promo- 
tion by Congress and vacating the position of aide-de-camp 
to General Washington, seems to have kept up a brisk and 
intimate correspondence with that officer. I have selected 
a few of these letters from the Virginia Historical Register, 
Vol. H., pp. 141-144, showing not only the intimacy between 
these officers, but a peculiar trait in the character of Wash- 
ington — his great solicitude for the welfare of his relatives 
and friends : 

MoRRiSTOWN, January 9, 1777. 
Dear Baylor: Your letter of the ist from Baltimore came 
to my hands this day. Your desire of commanding a regi- 
ment of horse, I cheerfully yield to, because it is the recom- 
mendation of Congress, your own wish and my desire. As 
nothing contributes so much to the constitution of a good 
regiment as a good corps of officers, and no method so likely 
to obtain these as leaving the choice in a great measure to 
the gentleman who is to reap the honors or share the dis- 
grace arising from their behavior, I shall vest you with the 
power of nominating the officers of your own regiment, 
except the field officers and those of the troop commanded 
by George Lewis, which I shall annex to your regiment 
(instead "of Sheldon's), and except a lieutenancy in some 
troop for little Starke. When I talk of giving you the nomi- 
nation of the officers, I would have it understood that I 
reserve to myself a negative upon a part or the whole, if 1 



400 . Appendix. 

have reason to suspect an improper choice. I earnestly 
recommend to you to be circumspect in your choice of 
officers. Take none but gentlemen; let no local attachments 
influence you; do not suffer your good nature (when an 
application is made) to say yes, when you ought to say no. 
Do not take old men, nor yet till your corps with boys — 
especially for captains. Colonel Landon Carter some time 
ago recommended a grandson of his to me, and if he still 
inclines to serve, and a lieutenancy would satisfy him, make 
him the offer of it. 

Let me hear frequently from you. 

I am, very sincerely, yours, 

G. Washington. 

MoRRiSTOWN, January 17, 1777. 
Dear Baylor : There is a gentleman, a friend of mine, whom 
I should be glad to provide for in your regiment of horse. I 
therefore desire you will reserve a troop for him. Let me 
hear from you by every post; send me a list of the officers 
you have fixed on, and again let me urge to you how much 
everything depends upon dispatch. 

I am, sincerely your affectionate friend and servant, 

G. Washington. 

MoRRiSTOWN, February 15, 1777. 
Dear Baylor : Two young gentlemen, namesakes of mine, 
the one son to Mr. Lawrence Washington, the other to Mr. 
Robert Washington, both of Stafford county, are desirous of 
entering into the horse service. If, therefore, you have not 
disposed of all the cornetcies in your regiment, I should be 
glad if you should appoin-t each of them one. 
I am, sincerely, Dr. Sir, your affect'e, 

G. Washington. 

In the Virginia Historical Register, Vol. II., pp. 213-217, 
will be found the following correspondence between General 
Washington and Colonel Baylor : 

MORRISTOWN, May 25, 1777. 
Dear Sir: By this day's post, I received your favor of the 
13th instant. I am sorry to find you have to combat so many 
difficulties in raising vour regiment. These, however, I 



Appendix. ^oi 

flatter myself, in a little time will be all surmounted by your 
persevering activity. A chaplain is part of the establishment 
of a corps of cavalry, and I see no objection to your having 
one, unless you suppose yours will be too virtuous and moral 
to require instruction. Let him be a man of character and 
good conversation, and who will influence the manners of the 
corps both by precept and example. A paymaster is indis- 
pensably necessary, and as his duty will be to make up all 
abstracts and receive and pay all money due the corps, and 
also keep and settle all transactions respecting it, he must be 
a person of good character and well versed in accounts. His 
pay will be fifty dollars per month, and I hope you will make 
choice of one wdio will answer the description I have given. 
I am, dear Baylor, your aiTectionate, humble servant, 

G. Washington. 

Headquarters, White Plains, 

3d August, 1778. 

Dear Sir: I am favored with yours of the 13th ultimo. As 
you seem to have proceeded as far as you can in the purchase 
of horses, without indulging the exorbitant demands of the 
holders, I would have you desist and come immediately to 
camp with all the officers, men, and horses. If you have any 
arms or accoutrements unfinished, or any men and horses 
unfit to come forward when this order reaches you, leave an 
oiTficer upon whose diligence you can depend to bring them 
on when they are ready. 

Lieutenant Baylor, under arrest for gaming, is to come on 
with you. I have written to Colonel Bland and desired him 
to give over purchasing and to come on to camp also, as it 
is my intent to draw as strong a body of cavalry as possible 
together, that we may keep the enemy from foraging or 
drawing other supplies from this part of the country. 

I am, dear sir. your most obedient servant. 

G. Washington. 

Walker Baylor, third son of John (2) and Lucy Walker, 
married Jane Bledsoe, of Virginia, and had issue : Robert E. 
B., John Walker, Walker, Keith, and Cyrus. He was lieu- 
tenant Third Dragoons, 28th of June. 1777; Captain, Feb- 
ruary, 1780, and resigned July 10. 1780. He was disabled at 



402 Appendix. 

Germantowii by a ball which crushed his instep. He seems 
to have incurred his father's displeasure, and is not mentioned 
in his will. (13 Gratt., 152.) 

Robert Emmet Bledsoe Baylor was born in Lincoln 
county, Ky., May 10, 1793; died at Gay Hill, Texas, January 
6, 1874. He served in the War of 181 2 under Colonel Bos- 
well, and was in the fight near Fort Meigs. In 1819 he was 
elected to the Kentucky Legislature, and in the following 
year removed to Alabama, where he became a prominent 
lawyer, and was a member of Congress from that State 
i829-'3i. During the Creek Wars he commanded a regiment 
of Alabama volunteers, and rendered ef^cient service. He 
afterwards, in 1839, removed to Texas, and was immediately 
elected a judge of the Supreme Court, and was a member of 
the convention which framed the Constitution. Later, he 
was chosen a district judge, and held that office for twenty- 
five years. Baylor University, Texas, to which he made gifts 
of lands and money, was named after him, as was also Baylor 
county, Texas. 

John Walker Baylor, son of Walker and Jane Bledsoe, had 
issue : Walker, Henry, John Robert (who was Governor of 
Arizona, Brigadier-General Confederate States army, and a 
noted Indian fighter. He has grandchildren now living at 
Cotulla, Texas), George Wythe (who is still living in Texas, 
and was a colonel in Confederate States army), Charles (who 
married Lula Wadsworth, daughter of Commodore Wads- 
worth, United States navy, and whose family now live at 
Jamaica Plains, Boston), Sophie (who is now living with her 
daughter), Francis Courtney Baylor (Barnum), author of 
" On Both Sides," " Behind the Blue Ridge," " Claudia 
Hyde," etc., at Savannah, Ga. ; Cyrus (who manumitted his 
slaves and removed from Texas to Illinois, where, we under- 
stand, he raised a large family. One of his sons. United 
States army, was killed in storming Kenessaw Mountain, and 
his diary fell into the hands of General John Robert Baylor, 



Appendix. ^o^ 

Confederate States army, his first cousin); and Fannie (who 
married Colonel James Belger, United States army). 

Robert Baylor, fourth son of John (2), married Francis 
Gwyn, of Gwyn's Island. He served in his brother's regi- 
ment of dragoons and shortly after the war he, in company 
with his cousins Richard and William Baylor, sons of Greg- 
ory, and others who had served in the Continental army, 
emigrated to Jefferson county (then Berkeley), and pur- 
chased a large tract of land on " Bull Skin," adjoining the 
lands of Lancelot Lee and heirs of Corbin Washington. Fie 
was one of the justices of the County Court of Berkeley 
county prior to the formation of Jefferson county in 1801. 
In 1804 he sold his lands in Jefferson county and moved to 
Logan county, Ky. 

Among the land records of Jefferson county, in D. B. 
2, p. 97, of date February 13, 1804, is the following: " Robert 
Baylor and Frances Baylor, of the county of Jefferson, 
in consideration of 6,120 pounds, sells and con\-eys to 
Henry S. Turner the farm on which said Baylor now lives, 
containing 765 acres," etc. The sun^ey calls for corners to 
Lancelot Lee and heirs of Corbin Washington. In same 
D. B., p. 202, I find the following: " Know all liy these 
presents, that I, Robert Baylor, at present of the county 
of Jefferson and Commonwealth of Virginia, but expecting 
and intending to remove to the State of Kentucky, have 
made, constituted, and appointed, etc., Ferdinando Fairfax, 
of said county of Jefferson, my true and lawful attorney, etc., 
to superintend and manage the suit now depending in the 
High Court of Chancery, at Staunton, X'irginia. in the name 
of John Baylor and others against me," etc. This was a suit 
to inforce the provisions of the will of John (2) Baylor, and is 
now reported in 13 Gratt. 152. After Robert removed to 
Logan county, Ky., he appointed his son, Gwyn Baylor, his 
attorney in fact to settle his business in Jefferson county. (See 
D. B. 4, p. 493.) 

Lucy Baylor, daughter of John (2) Baylor and Lucy 



^04 Appendix. 

Walker, married John Armistead and was the mother of Gen- 
eral Walker Armistead and Colonel George Armistead. The 
latter commanded at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, during the 
British bombardment, and when Francis Scott Key wrote 
the " Star Spangled Banner." In honor of him President 
McKinley has ordered one of the new forts in the harbor 
of that city named " Fort Armistead." She was also the 
grandmother of General Louis Armistead, killed at Gettys- 
burg. The spot on which he fell is marked with a monument 
on which is inscribed, " High-water mark of the Southern 
Confederacy." 

Gregory Baylor, the younger son of John (i) and Lucy 
Todd O'Brien, married, in 1749, Mary Whiting, of King and 
Queen county, where at the old homestead near Walkerton 
on the Mattaponi, they lived, dispensed a generous hospi- 
tality, died and were buried. In 1775 he and William Lyne 
belonged to the Committee of Safety for King and Queen. 
He left surviving him three sons and eight daughters — 
Richard, Robert, and William; Mary (who married William 
Harrison), Frances (who married Thomas Richards), Ann 
(who married Whitehead Coleman), Lucy (who married 
John Robinson), Elizabeth (who married William Lyne), 
Hannah (who first married Crosbie, then Starke), Catherine 
(who married William Tapscott), and Martha (who died un- 
married). Richard, son of Gregory and Mary Whiting, mar- 
ried first Miss Lowry, of Jefiferson, by whom he had no 
children; then Mrs. Richards, of Essex county, whose maiden 
name was Anne Tilden Garnett, by whom he had four sons — 
Richard Garnett, Robert William, Thomas Gregory, and 
George (who died unmarried), and one daughter, Anne 
Maria (who married John Newton Walke, of Norfolk, Va.). 

Richard, son of Gregory, served as a private in the Baylor 
Dragoons, under his cousin, Colonel George Baylor, and 
after the war emigrated with his brother William and his 
cousin Robert (who was a brother of Colonel George Baylor) 
to Berkeley (now Jefferson county), and purchased of Nicho- 



Appendix. ^o^ 

las Orrick a larg-e tract of land near Leetown, known as 
" Woodbnry," and in the immediate neighborhood of Alajor- 
Generals Charles Lee. Horatio (iates, and Adam Stephens. 
He and his cousin Robert were justices of the County Court 
of Berkeley when Berkeley and Jefferson were one, and after 
the formation of Jefferson, Richard Baylor was commissioned 
by Governor Monroe one of the justices of the County Court 
of Jefferson, which position he held until his death, in 1822. 

On March 26. 1804 (see Deed-Book 2. page 125) he i)ur- 
chased a tract of land from Lawrence Augustine Washington 
and Mary Dorcas, his wife, described in the deed as follows: 
" Part of ' Richwoods.' devised to Lawrence Washington by 
the last will and testament of his father, Samuel Washington, 
who held it under title from Lawrence Washington, deceased, 
of Fairfax county, to whom it was conveyed by deed from 
Robert Worthington of date the i6th day of June, 1748, and 
recorded in the clerk's office of Frederick county." 

Richard Garnett Baylor, son of Richard and Anne Tilden 
Garnett, married Catherine Brooke Tunstall, of Norfolk, and 
left surviving only two children having issue — Thomas 
Gregory and Robert William. 

Thomas Gregory Baylor, son of Richard Garnett and 
Catherine Brooke Tunstall, married Lou Gait and left issue — 
John Gait and Kate Gait (who married Dr. H. G. Parley, 
United States army). Thomas Gregory Baylor was a grad- 
uate of West Point, and rose to rank of Colonel of Ordnance 
in the United States army. Robert William Baylor, second 
son of Richard Garnett and Catherine Brooke Tunstall. mar- 
ried his cousin Mary Garnett Baylor and left issue — Robert 
William Baylor, son of Richard and Anne Tilden Garnett; 
married Mary C. Moore, daughter of Cato Moore and grand- 
daughter of Cato Moore, who is registered among the offi- 
cers of the Continental army as follows: " Moore, Cato (Va.), 
first lieutenant of Grayson's Additional Continental Regi- 
ment, 3d February, 1777; wounded at Brandywine, nth 
September, 1777: resigned 3d February, 1778." (See His- 



4o6 Appendix. 

torical Register, Officers Continental Army, p. 298.) He 
was captain in Confederate States army, severely wounded 
April 2y, 1862, at McGaheysville; president of the County 
Court for many years, and at the date of his death, in 1883, 
he had issue — Julia Moore (who married Robert V. Shirley), 
Richard Channing (killed at Parker's Store November 29, 
1863), George, Margaret Strother (who married Charles W. 
Aisquith), Robert William (killed at Charlestown November 
29, 1864), Tilden Garnett, Henry Bedinger, and Charles 
Edwin. 

Thomas Gregory Baylor, third son of Richard and Anne 
Tilden Baylor, married Margaret Cooke, of Norfolk, and has 
surviving three sons and one daughter — John Walke, 
Richard Garnett, Buckner Cooke, and Lucy (who married 
Dr. John Fletcher Shackleford, of Columbus, Ga.) Thomas 
Gregory Baylor was killed at Petersburg July 2, 1864. 
Robert Baylor, second son of Gregory and Mary Whiting, 
married first Lucy Todd Garnett and had issue five chil- 
dren — Gregory, Eliza Todd (who married Alexander Tun- 
stall), Mary Whiting (who married William T. Brooke), 
Robert Fitzgerald, and Lucy Garnett (who married William 
Hill), and Robert for second wife married Ann Brooke, and 
had issue — Robert Hunter, John Brooke, Robert, Richard, 
William, Baynham, Ann (who married John Capron), Arthur, 
Alexander, and Robert Alexander. 

Richard Baylor, the fourth son of Robert and Ann Brooke, 
married Lucy Waring, of Essex county, and had issue — ^Ann 
Waring, Lucy Latane {\v\\o married Samuel Morrison), 
Robert Payne (who married Virginia Williamson Tunstall), 
Mary Garnett (who married Robert William Baylor), Eliza- 
beth Payne, Harriet Rouzer (who married John C. Taylor), 
Helen Stanley (who married Louis Kossuth Hudgins), 
Richard (wdio married Isabella T. McLitosh), Catherine 
Brooke (who married Dr. W. A. Thom), and Henry Latane. 

Baynham Baylor, sixth son of Robert and Ann Brooke, 
married Eliza F. Sharp, and had issue — John Capron and 
Robert Baynham. 



Appendix. 



407 



Robert Alexander Ba3'lor, son of Robert and Ann Brooke, 
married Mary Robinson, and had issue— Ann Brooke (who 
married Charles O'Connor Mallory). 

Alexander Tunstall and Eliza Todd Baylor had issue 

Robert Baylor, Richard Baylor, Catherine Brooke (who 
married her cousin Richard Garnett Baylor), Caroline and 
Maria Ann. 

Robert Baylor Tunstall married Elizabeth Walke William- 
son, and had issue — Baynham Baylor (who married Robert- 
son Taylor), Alexander (who married Annie D. Mcintosh), 
Virginia Williamson (who married Robert Payne Baylor, and 
after his death, Alfred Pembroke Thom), Annie McC. (who 
married James Frank Hunter), Richard Baylor (who mar- 
ried Isabelle M. Reiser), Robert W. and William Brooke 
(who married Eleanor Turner). 

Richard Baylor Tunstall married Virginia Waller, and had 
issue — Belle Waller (who married Dr. Frank Anthony 
Walke) and Kate Brooke (who married L. D. Smith), Eliza- 
beth Baylor, daughter of Gregory and Mary Whiting, mar- 
ried William Lyne, and had issue — Gregory Baylor, William 
Henry, Mary Ann Whiting, Robert Baylor, Frances Lowry, 
Elizabeth Baylor, and Thomas Lowry. 

Mary Ann Whiting Lyne married Benjamin Wilson, and 
had issue — William Lyne Wilson. 

AA'illiam Baylor, third son of Gregory and Mary W'hiting, 
moved from King and Queen (where he was born) shortly 
after the war, in company with his brother Richard and his 
cousin Robert, and located near Shepherdstown, in Jeffer- 
son county (then Berkeley), and married Lucy Lowry, and 
had issue — Mary, Patsy, and Fanny — all of whom died with- 
out issue. 

(Extract from Confederate Military History. \'ol H.. p. 155.) 

Captain Robert W. Baylor, of Charlestown, Jefferson 
county, was conspicuous among the strong and energetic 
spirits who served as rallying points of patriotism in North- 



4o8 Appendix. 

western Virginia in 1861. He held the rank of Colonel of 
Virginia troops at the outbreak of the war, but not being 
continued in that position at the organization, raised a com- 
pany of young men in Jefferson county, which was subse- 
quently distinguished in the Confederate service as Company 
B, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. It was a notable com- 
pany in membership, many famous families of Virginia being 
represented, and a considerable number of them are now 
prominent in civil life, perhaps the most conspicuous being 
William L. Wilson, ex-Postmaster-General and President of 
Washington and Lee University; and Charles Broadway 
Rouss, of New York. This company, known as the Baylor 
Light Horse, entered the service in Ashby's Cavalry, but 
was not long under the command of its organizer, as he was 
severely wounded in an engagement at McGaheysville April 
27, 1862, and taken prisoner. He was subsequently tried by 
a Federal court-martial and condemned to be executed, on 
account of his activity in the Southern cause; but the sen- 
tence was set aside by General Kelley, with the approval of 
Secretary Stanton. He was held as a prisoner until late in 
1864, but when exchanged his wound still disabled him. He 
survived until 1883. He was of an old Virginia family, 
descended from John Baylor, who emigrated from England 
about 1694. His father, Richard Baylor, served as a private 
in the Baylor Dragoons, Continental army, commanded by 
his cousin, Colonel George Baylor. Three sons of Captain 
Robert W. Baylor also served in his cavalry company — 
Richard C, who was mentioned by General McClellan for 
bravery in going through the lines at Auburn to warn Gen- 
eral Lee of the critical situation of General Stuart's command, 
and was killed at Parker's Store, near Fredericksburg, No- 
vember 29, 1863; Robert W.. who was killed at Charlestown 
November 29, 1864; and George, now a prominent attorney 
at Charlestown, who was the brilliant leader of the company 
after his father's capture. Captain George Baylor, born in 
Jefferson county in 1843, was educated at Dickinson College, 



Appendix. ^09 

Carlisle, Pa., and graduated in i860, and subsequently was 
an instructor in the Episcopal High School in Fauquier 
county until April, 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, 
of the Second Virginia Infantry. He served with the Stone- 
wall Brigade during the first year of the war, took part in 
the battle of Manassas, and received excellent training as a 
soldier under his famous commander. In the spring of 1862, 
he joined the Baylor Light Horse, of which he was elected 
second lieutenant, and with this company, which formed part 
of the command of Turner Ashby, participated in the Valley 
campaign of 1862, fighting at Kernstown, Winchester, Mid- 
dletown, Cross Keys, and Port Republic. After Jackson 
moved to the Chickahominy, his company was left in the 
Valley, where it engaged in frequent raids upon the Federal 
outposts, aiding materially in causing the enemy to fall back 
to Harper's Ferry. They then participated in the Second 
Manassas campaign, the capture of Harper's Ferry, and the 
battle of Sharpsburg. In a fight near Charlestown he re- 
ceived a wound in the leg. Lieutenant Baylor was in com- 
mand of his company from June, 1862, throughout its 
subsequent campaigns and engagements. In February, 
1863, during a raid in Jefferson county, he was captured by 
the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and sent to Fort 
McHenry. Attempting to escape, he was confined two weeks 
in a cell, and then sent to Fort Delaware, but was so fortu- 
nate as to be one of twenty officers who were exchanged in 
April, the only exchange that year. Returning to his com- 
mand, now Company B, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. \V. 
E. Jones's Brigade. Stuart's Cavalry Corps, he participated 
in the operations of 1863, including the engagements at 
Brandy Station, Oakland, and Altamont, Md.; Mine Run, 
Upperville. Warrenton Springs. Auburn, Bristoe Station, 
Parker's Store, and Little Baltimore. At Warrenton Springs, 
the Twelfth Regiment being under command of Colonel 
Funston. Lieutenant Baylor held the front, and \vas ordered 
to charge the bridge, held by the Federals, in the dusk of the 



410 Appendix. 

evening. He led his men in columns of fours along a narrow 
causeway, in the face of a sharp fire, until at the abutment 
he found the planks had been removed from the bridge, and 
that he must retrace his steps and try the ford. Without the 
slightest confusion, the command obeyed the order to right- 
about wheel, and in a moment it was plunging through the 
ford, amid the wnld huzzas of the Confederate infantry, and, 
dashing up the hill, soon cleared the enemy from their rifle- 
pits, and won a passage for the remainder of the Confederate 
force. For this brilliant performance. Lieutenant Baylor and 
his troop enjoyed the unique distinction of receiving a fur- 
lough of ten days by order of General Lee. He subsequently 
took part in the West Virginia raids under Jones and Rosser, 
and at Medley, near New Creek, in January, 1864, received a 
wound in the shoulder, which compelled his retirement until 
May, when he rejoined his command. Joining General Lee, 
he was in advance on the morning of May 5th, in the Wilder- 
ness, his brigade opening the ball by the defeat of Wilson's 
Federal Division of Cavalry near Tod's Tavern, and subse- 
quently fought at Haw's Shop, Ashland (where he led the 
charge), Sappony Church, Trevilian's, Charles City Court- 
house (where he was slightly wounded), Reams Station, and 
the famous cattle raid. Then, being ordered with his brigade 
to the Shenandoah Valley, he was engaged at Brock's Gap, 
Tom's Brook, Cedar Creek, and Middletown. On November 
22d, while on a reconnoissance, with six men he stampeded 
at night a Federal outpost at Allstadt's Lane, and captured 
13 men and twice as many horses. He was then detached 
with his company to operate in the lower Valley, and on the 
night of November 29th attacked the camp of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry at Charlestown, killing and wounding 
II of the enemy, and capturing 27 prisoners and 37 horses. 
In a subsequent fight near White Post a Federal squadron in 
pursuit of him suffered defeat and a similar loss. On April 5, 
1865, he joined the command of Colonel Mosby as captain of 
Company H, and was engaged on the same day at Millville, 



Appendix. ^i i 

and on April loth at Fairfax Station. He surrendered at Win- 
chester May 8, 1865, and then returned to civil life. He was 
graduated in law at Washington-Lee University in 1867, and 
after practicing at Kansas City, Mo., five years returned to 
Charlestown. Here he formed a partnership with William 
L. Wilson, which continued until 1881, when Mr. Wilson 
was elected president of the West Virginia University. 
During the same period he held for four years the office of 
prosecuting attorney for his county. Since then he has con- 
tinued in the practice of law, and is now counsel of the Balti- 
more and Ohio railroad, and distinguished in his profession. 

(Extract from Confederate Military History, Vol. H., p. 294.) 

William L. Wilson, a distinguished son of JelTerson county, 
who espoused the Confederate cause, was born May 3, 1843. 
He received a thorough education at the Charlestown 
Academy, Columbia^niversity, D. C, and the University 
of Virginia, and while yet a youth participated in the Con- 
federate military service. As a member of the Baylor Light 
Horse, Company B, of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, he 
shared the adventurous duties of his comrades under the 
leadership of the famous Turner Ashby and J. E. B. Stuart. 
After the close of hostilities, he entered upon the study of 
law, and was graduated at the Columbian University, and 
until the. repeal of the test-oath in West Virginia held the 
position of Professor of Latin in that institution. He prac- 
ticed at Charlestown from 1871 to 1882. and in the mean 
time became prominent in politics. He was a delegate to the 
National Democratic Convention of 1880. and in the same 
year elector for the State at large on the Hancock ticket. 
He became president of the West Virginia University in 
September, 1882, but resigned in June following to accept a 
seat in Congress as the representative of his district. He 
served with distinction in the Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, 
Fiftieth, Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third Congresses, 



412 Appendix. 

being particularly conspicuous as a leader in the movement 
for tariff reform. In 1892 he was permanent president of the 
National Democratic Convention. In the Fifty-third Con- 
gress he w^as chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, 
and reported and had charge in the House of the tariff bill 
which distinguished the last administration of Cleveland. He 
also introduced and carried through the House a bill repeal- 
ing the Sherman silver law. In the political reaction which 
followed he was defeated for re-election, and in the following 
April he became a member of President Cleveland's Cabinet 
as Postmaster-General of the United States. Since the close 
of that administration he has given his attention to those 
scholarly occupations in which he had long been distin- 
guished. He was regent of the Smithsonian Institute, 1884 
to 1888; is a member of several historical and scientific asso- 
ciations, and has received the degree of Doctor of Law from 
various educational institutions. In 1897 he became presi- 
dent of Washington-Lee University. 



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